as high as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as high as" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two different quantities, usually amounts or heights. For example, "The cost of tuition has risen as high as $20,000 per year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Entry fees were as high as $347.

The New York Times - Sports

Piracy rates are as high as 72%.

The Economist

I always aim as high as possible.

Independent

Unemployment may be as high as 20%.

The Economist

The dunes were as high as houses.

The New Yorker

Some were as high as 34 percent.

The New York Times

as high as Brandenn's.

The New Yorker

Some as high as 45%.

The Guardian

I was as high as a kite".

The Guardian - Music

The shares traded as high as $67.25.

The New York Times

Prices are just as high as ever.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as high as" to provide a quantifiable comparison, making sure both elements being compared are clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "as high as" without a clear reference point for comparison. For example, instead of saying "The price is as high as possible", specify "The price is as high as $500".

Linguistic Context

"As high as" functions as a comparative phrase, indicating that something reaches a certain level, amount, or degree. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from financial figures to physical heights. It highlights the extent to which something achieves a maximum or significant value, providing a point of reference for comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “as high as” is a versatile comparison tool used to indicate that something reaches a certain level or amount, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. To ensure clarity, always provide a specific reference point for comparison. While alternatives like “up to” or “"reaching as much as"” exist, “as high as” effectively conveys a sense of scale or extent. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

up to

Focuses on the upper limit of a range, omitting the comparative aspect.

as great as

Highlights a similarity in magnitude, size, or intensity.

reaching as much as

Emphasizes the act of attaining a certain quantity or level.

peaking at

Highlights the highest point reached, often in a fluctuating context.

reaching the heights of

Emphasizes a significant achievement of a level.

at most

Indicates the maximum possible value, without direct comparison.

no more than

Specifies an upper boundary, often implying a limitation or restriction.

on par with

Suggests a similar level or standard.

equivalent to

Focuses on equality in value or amount.

matching

Highlights the identical properties.

FAQs

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

Use "as high as" to compare a value or amount to a maximum or a significant level. For example, "The waves were "as high as houses"" or "The interest rates soared "as high as 20 percent"".

What phrases are similar to "as high as"?

Similar phrases include "up to", "reaching as much as", or "peaking at", depending on the context. Each of these alternatives provides a slightly different nuance in expressing the comparison.

Is it always necessary to specify a quantity after "as high as"?

While not always mandatory, specifying a quantity or a clear point of comparison after "as high as" greatly enhances clarity. Without it, the comparison can be vague and less impactful. For example, instead of saying "The stakes are as high as it gets," saying "The stakes are "as high as they can get"" adds more emphasis.

What's the difference between "as high as" and "at most"?

"As high as" is used to compare something to a maximum level or a significant point. "At most" simply indicates the upper limit of something. For example, "The temperature reached as high as 35 degrees Celsius" emphasizes the heat, while "The project will cost at most $1 million" indicates the maximum budget.