as indistinct as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as indistinct as the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the clarity or visibility of one thing to another that is also unclear or vague. Example: "The outline of the mountains was as indistinct as the fog that surrounded them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But within seconds they had become tiny specks, as indistinct as the sailors' grave markers had first appeared on Beechey Island.

The New York Times - Travel

The gradations can be as indistinct as the words heard in an insomniac's nightmare: Which is sleep and which waking, which is dreamt, which real?

The New York Times - Books

But these "shadow film" sequences are often as indistinct as the storytelling and do little more than interrupt the confused proceedings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In Sharon's single-minded search for enlightenment, the people around her tend to be as indistinct as shadows flickering on the walls.

The New York Times - Books

We looked for the best angle from which to take pictures of the computer screen and keep me as indistinct as possible.

The Guardian

He sees his work as indistinct from the rest of the art world.

Vice

Patients experienced the discharge process as indistinct and it created a feeling of stress, confusion and being left out of the process.

BMC Nursing

The smell and taste of the flesh are described as indistinct or herbaceous.

Wikipedia

The taste of the mushroom has been described variously as indistinct, or "distinctly bitter".

Wikipedia

The views are always from a distance, and the people depicted appear as indistinct, Lilliputian figures.

The New York Times - Arts

But the economic crisis is forcing them to take a more pragmatic approach as prisoners are increasingly seen less as indistinct wrongdoers and more as expenses that must be reined in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as indistinct as the" to create a vivid comparison when describing something that lacks clear definition or is difficult to perceive.

Common error

Avoid using "as indistinct as the" when describing something that is simply disliked or unwanted, as this phrase is more suited to describe a lack of clarity rather than a negative attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as indistinct as the" functions as a comparative, specifically an adjective phrase. It serves to draw a parallel between the obscurity of one subject and another, creating a vivid image of something lacking clear definition. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as indistinct as the" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative phrase used to describe something lacking clear definition by relating it to another equally obscure entity. While relatively rare in overall usage, according to Ludwig, it appears primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig examples show that it is mostly used to emphasize the lack of clarity or distinctness of something. When writing, remember that it should be used to create a vivid comparison when describing something vague. Avoid using this phrase in contexts where a lack of clarity is not the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as blurry as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "blurry", focusing on visual unclarity.

as vague as the

Substitutes "indistinct" with "vague", emphasizing a lack of precision or detail.

as unclear as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "unclear", highlighting a lack of understanding or certainty.

as undefined as the

Substitutes "indistinct" with "undefined", focusing on the absence of a clear boundary or limit.

as ill-defined as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "ill-defined", suggesting a poorly marked or unclear boundary.

as hazy as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "hazy", implying a lack of clarity due to obscurity.

as obscure as the

Substitutes "indistinct" with "obscure", indicating a lack of prominence or distinctness.

as blurred as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "blurred", emphasizing a softened or less distinct appearance.

as dim as the

Substitutes "indistinct" with "dim", highlighting a lack of brightness or clarity.

as faint as the

Replaces "indistinct" with "faint", implying a weak or barely perceptible quality.

FAQs

How can I use "as indistinct as the" in a sentence?

You can use "as indistinct as the" to compare something unclear or vague to another object or concept that is also indistinct. For example, "The boundaries of the property were "as indistinct as the" morning fog".

What are some alternatives to "as indistinct as the"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "as vague as the", "as unclear as the", or "as blurry as the" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as indistinct as the"?

Yes, the phrase "as indistinct as the" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of comparative phrases in English.

What is the difference between "as indistinct as the" and "as vague as the"?

While both phrases convey a lack of clarity, "as indistinct as the" often refers to something that is difficult to perceive or differentiate, while "as vague as the" suggests a lack of detail or precision.