as inauspicious as it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as inauspicious as it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that was considered unfavorable or unlucky, often in a reflective or comparative context. Example: "The project faced numerous challenges, as inauspicious as it was from the start, yet the team persevered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Its absence was as inauspicious as it was resounding.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He added that "clearly, it's an inauspicious start" for Mr. Apotheker, who has spent just over six months on the job, and raises fears that the company is not going to be as strong under him as it was under Mr. Hurd.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet Fletcher was so gifted a designer that he imbued commercial assignments with depth, wit and meaning, even if they were as inauspicious as ads for slippers.

The New York Times - Arts

As though it wasn't inauspicious enough to be stuck squarely on U.S. Route 666, the building's number was also 666.

The New York Times - Travel

Despite this inauspicious welcome, it was at Canterbury that Allan's supreme skill as a choir trainer came to fruition.

The Guardian - Music

It was inauspicious, as far as debuts go.

The New York Times - Sports

It was regarded as inauspicious, for example, if three stones the Guardian Stone, the Stone of Adoration, and the Stone of the Two Deities (or the Stone of Completeness)—were not present.

Britannica

BAGHDAD — The trial of two former government officials widely seen as a test of the impartiality of Iraq's judicial system got off to an inauspicious start on Tuesday when it was delayed because crucial witnesses failed to appear.

The New York Times

Dutch statisticians have established that Friday 13th, a date regarded in many countries as inauspicious, is actually safer than an average Friday.

Huffington Post

Many of her contemporaries — "old-timers," as the first wave of immigrants to settle in Koreatown are known — would shush her when she brought up the topic, saying it was inauspicious because speaking of it would make it reality.

Los Angeles Times

It was an inauspicious beginning to Andrea's career, as the Allanté body had widely acknowledged quality problems and is mainly remembered for its persistently leaky hood.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as inauspicious as it was", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, maintaining clarity for the reader. This phrase is best suited for reflective writing where you're looking back at an event or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as inauspicious as it was" to describe future events or plans before they unfold. This phrase works best when reflecting on past situations where the initial negativity has already been demonstrated. If you're talking about a future event, consider using "appears inauspicious" or "seems inauspicious" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as inauspicious as it was" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by providing additional information about the manner or circumstances surrounding the action or state being described. Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as inauspicious as it was" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though it appears relatively rarely in contemporary English. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, encyclopedias and scientific sources, and serves to reflect on past events with unfavorable beginnings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the referent of "it" and consider its reflective nature, which is best suited for retrospective analyses rather than predictions. Related phrases such as "as ill-fated as it was" or "as unlucky as it was" can provide stylistic alternatives. The expression "as inauspicious as it was" can be useful in emphasizing initial circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as ill-fated as it was

Replaces "inauspicious" with a synonym emphasizing a sense of doom or misfortune.

as ominous as it was

Replaces "inauspicious" with a term emphasizing a threatening or foreboding quality.

as unlucky as it was

Substitutes "inauspicious" with a more common term suggesting a lack of good fortune.

as unpromising as it was

Replaces "inauspicious" with a term that focuses on the lack of potential or positive outlook.

as grim as it was

Conveys a sense of severity and seriousness about the situation.

as unfavorable as it was

Offers a more neutral alternative, highlighting the lack of advantageous circumstances.

as bleak as it was

Emphasizes the somber and depressing aspects of the situation.

as discouraging as it was

Focuses on the disheartening nature of the situation.

as disheartening as it was

Highlights the loss of enthusiasm or hope associated with the situation.

as regrettable as it was

Shifts the focus to the feeling of regret associated with the situation, rather than its initial prospects.

FAQs

How can I use "as inauspicious as it was" in a sentence?

You can use "as inauspicious as it was" to reflect on a past event that started badly, such as: "The project, "as inauspicious as it was", eventually turned out to be a success".

What are some alternatives to "as inauspicious as it was"?

Some alternatives include "as unlucky as it was", "as ill-fated as it was", or "as unpromising as it was", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "as inauspicious as it seemed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as inauspicious as it seemed" is grammatically correct. It works similarly to "as inauspicious as it was", but it emphasizes the initial perception of the situation rather than its eventual outcome.

What's the difference between "inauspicious" and "unfortunate"?

"Inauspicious" suggests a bad start or unfavorable circumstances, implying potential future trouble. "Unfortunate" simply means unlucky or regrettable, without necessarily implying a bad beginning. Therefore, "as unfortunate as it was" might describe a sad event without reference to a start or future.