as ineffective as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as ineffective as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the effectiveness of one thing to another, indicating that both are equally ineffective. Example: "The new policy was as ineffective as the previous one, failing to address the core issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The austerity it imposed was seen as ineffective as well as painful, and entry into an IMF programme as carrying a humiliating stigma.

The Economist

A phlegmatic Van Gaal sounded as ineffective as his team have started to look.

The Guardian - Sport

Few public policies in Latin America are as ineffective as coca eradication.

The Economist

This would be as ineffective as the long-standing and fruitless focus on the "deficit model" of environmental communication.

The Guardian

Police reaction to the 1981 riots was just as ineffective as the response in 2011, but for more plausible reasons.

The Guardian

To seek to repress the democratic movement by force will be as ineffective as seeking to contain a tsunami.

The New York Times

In the past, boycotting the electronic giants has been seen as ineffective as there hasn't been a conflict-free alternative to turn to in protest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Given high reoffending rates, such emphasis exposes the courses as ineffective or as part of a simple repeat prescription model.

The Guardian - Opinion

They may be as ineffective in real life as in cartoons.

The New York Times

Protests will remain ineffective as long as there is no movement-party capable of governing locally and nationally.

The Guardian - Opinion

This increasing expectation of transparency is one reason why black hat activities are ineffective as well as unethical, Maltin adds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as ineffective as", ensure you clearly define both subjects being compared. This provides clarity and strengthens the comparison, highlighting the shared lack of effectiveness. For instance, instead of saying "The measure was as ineffective as expected", be specific: "The measure was "as ineffective as" the previous strategy, failing to yield any significant results."

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizing the scope of ineffectiveness. Clearly define in what area or context something is "as ineffective as" something else. Saying "The project was "as ineffective as" a screen door on a submarine" is vivid, but not always informative. Instead, specify: "The project was "as ineffective as" a previous attempt at streamlining the process, failing to reduce costs or improve efficiency."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as ineffective as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that two subjects share a similar lack of effectiveness. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in assessing the failure of policies, strategies, or actions relative to one another.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as ineffective as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to express that two or more things are equally lacking in effectiveness. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key, clearly defining both subjects and the specific context in which they are ineffective. Remember, "as ineffective as" provides a comparative context, enhancing understanding of the degree of failure. Avoid vagueness by being precise in your comparisons. Ludwig AI confirms the usability and correctness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as ineffective as

Adds emphasis on the similarity in ineffectiveness.

equally ineffective as

Highlights the equality in the degree of ineffectiveness.

no more effective than

Focuses on the lack of improvement or success compared to something else.

not any more effective than

Emphasizes the complete lack of added effectiveness.

similarly ineffective to

Highlights the similarity in lacking effectiveness.

comparably ineffective with

Indicates a comparable level of ineffectiveness between two things.

of equal ineffectiveness to

Stresses the equal level of being ineffective.

to the same degree ineffective as

Formal way of expressing the same level of ineffectiveness.

on par in its ineffectiveness with

Implies that both are equally substandard in effectiveness.

matches in ineffectiveness with

Indicates that the level of ineffectiveness is the same.

FAQs

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

Use "as ineffective as" to compare two things that are equally lacking in effectiveness. For example, "The new marketing campaign was "just as ineffective as" the old one, failing to attract new customers."

What are some alternatives to "as ineffective as"?

You can use alternatives like "equally ineffective as", "no more effective than", or "similarly ineffective to" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "as ineffective as" or "as effective as"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "As ineffective as" means equally lacking in effectiveness, while "as effective as" means equally successful or efficient. For example, "The new policy was "as ineffective as" the old one" vs. "The new policy was "as effective as" the old one."

What's the difference between "as ineffective as" and "ineffective"?

"Ineffective" simply means not producing the desired effect. "As ineffective as" compares the degree of ineffectiveness between two subjects. Saying something is "as ineffective as" something else provides a comparative context that "ineffective" alone does not.