as fraught as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fraught as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is filled with or characterized by a high level of emotional distress, tension, or difficulty. Example: "The negotiations were as fraught as they had ever been, with both sides unwilling to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few are as fraught as Kashmir, however.

The Guardian

The next two months may be as fraught as the last two.

The Economist

Neither is their relationship anything like as fraught as that between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

The Economist

And few questions of statehood have been as fraught as Palestine's.

The Economist

FEW areas of international law are as fraught as the issue of what makes a state.

The Economist

In some ways, thus, Mr. Maharaj's task is as fraught as ever.

The New York Times

Is any art form quite as fraught as the toy-inspired film?

The New Yorker

There are few modern relationships as fraught as the one between art and money.

The New York Times

Few questions in science are as fraught as those around gender.

The Guardian

Our arrival in Tenerife was almost as fraught as the return to Luton.

The Guardian - Travel

Breaking the firm up would be tough, but perhaps not as fraught as the expansion Mr Immelt has chosen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as fraught as" to effectively convey a sense of high emotional tension or difficulty in a comparative context. It is particularly useful when drawing a parallel between two situations or experiences, highlighting their shared stressful nature.

Common error

Avoid using "as fraught as" when simply describing a challenging situation without emphasizing the emotional burden or comparing it to something else. Opt for alternatives like "difficult" or "challenging" if the emotional aspect is not central.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fraught as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe a situation or entity by comparing its level of tension, anxiety, or difficulty to that of another, often serving to emphasize the intensity or problematic nature of both. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as fraught as" is a comparative adjective phrase widely used to describe situations marked by high levels of tension, anxiety, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and the phrase is prevalent in various sources, especially news and media. The phrase serves to highlight the intensity and precariousness of a situation by comparing it to another. While alternatives like "as tense as" or "as difficult as" exist, they may not fully capture the emotional burden conveyed by "as fraught as". Use this phrase to effectively communicate the stressful nature of a parallel between two scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tense as

Focuses specifically on the tension present, rather than the overall difficulty or worry.

as anxious as

Highlights the anxiety and worry associated with a situation.

as stressful as

Focuses on the stress induced by a situation.

as worrying as

Highlights the concern and apprehension associated with a situation.

as difficult as

Emphasizes the challenging nature of a situation, downplaying the emotional aspect.

as trying as

Focuses on the testing and challenging nature of the situation.

as problematic as

Emphasizes the issues and problems involved.

as complicated as

Highlights the complexity and intricacy of the situation.

as perilous as

Emphasizes the dangerous and risky nature of the situation.

as turbulent as

Focuses on the instability and disorder of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "as fraught as" in a sentence?

The phrase "as fraught as" is used to compare two situations, emphasizing that both are filled with tension or difficulty. For instance, "The negotiations were "as fraught as" they had ever been, with both sides unwilling to compromise."

What are some alternatives to "as fraught as"?

You can use alternatives such as "as tense as", "as difficult as", or "as anxious as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "as fraught as" or "very fraught"?

"As fraught as" is used for comparisons, while "very fraught" simply intensifies the description of a single situation. The choice depends on whether you're drawing a parallel or just emphasizing the tension of a situation.

Can "as fraught as" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as fraught as" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its usage depends more on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey rather than the formality of the writing style.