as innocent as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as innocent as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare someone's innocence to something that is universally recognized as innocent, often in a figurative or idiomatic context. Example: "She looked at him with eyes as innocent as a child's, making it hard to believe he could ever do anything wrong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My heart as innocent as Buddha's /..

The New York Times - Books

All roots are as innocent as potatoes.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were as innocent as children.

The New York Times

Legal highs aren't as innocent as their name suggests.

Independent

But it's not as innocent as it sounds.

The New York Times - Travel

These privileged girls are as innocent as they are cruel.

The New York Times

It looks as innocent as a key fob.

The New York Times

NBC's folly is not nearly as innocent as McCulloch's.

The New York Times - Arts

And is he, in fact, as innocent as all that?

The Guardian - Film

Never – I am as innocent as the driven snow.

The Guardian - Books

His slides were not as innocent as they seemed.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is universally understood. Saying someone is "as innocent as" a lamb is more effective than comparing them to something obscure.

Common error

Avoid using "as innocent as" when a more precise descriptor exists. Overuse can dilute its impact. Consider whether "naive", "harmless", or "blameless" might be more appropriate to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as innocent as" functions as a comparative, typically used to emphasize the perceived lack of guilt or naiveté of a subject by likening it to a well-known symbol of innocence. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as innocent as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative used to highlight a perceived lack of guilt or naiveté. As shown by Ludwig, it’s applicable in numerous contexts, particularly within News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider whether alternatives like "as pure as" or "as naive as" might be more precise. Be mindful of overuse and strive for impactful comparisons, such as emphasizing the contrast between seeming innocence and hidden truths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as pure as

Emphasizes moral cleanness and lack of corruption. Can have religious connotations.

as naive as

Focuses on lack of experience and understanding of the world's complexities.

as blameless as

Highlights freedom from guilt or responsibility for wrongdoing.

as harmless as

Implies a lack of capacity to cause harm or offense.

as guileless as

Stresses sincerity and lack of deceit or cunning.

as unworldly as

Suggests a lack of familiarity with practical matters and worldly concerns.

as artless as

Conveys simplicity and a lack of sophistication or cunning.

as unsullied as

Implies purity and freedom from any stain or blemish, often metaphorical.

as untouched as

Emphasizes the absence of negative influence or experience.

as impeccable as

Highlights flawlessness in behavior and moral character.

FAQs

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

Use "as innocent as" to compare someone or something's apparent lack of guilt or knowledge to a commonly recognized symbol of innocence. For example, "He looked "as innocent as" a newborn baby, but he was secretly plotting revenge."

What's a good alternative to "as innocent as"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as pure as", "as naive as", or "as harmless as".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as innocent as"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the seeming lack of guile or culpability of someone or something, often in contrast to a hidden reality. It can be used sarcastically or sincerely.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as innocent as"?

Yes, the phrase "as innocent as" is grammatically sound and follows the standard comparative structure in English. It's a common and accepted idiom.