as intimidating as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as intimidating as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intimidating nature of one thing to another. Example: "The new manager is as intimidating as the strictest teacher I had in school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I watched Mays, myself, even watching pictures of Babe Ruth, there was absolutely no one that has been as intimidating as much as Barry Bonds has.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm trying to be as intimidating as possible".

The Guardian - Sport

Gone was the menace, the grimace, from a player as intimidating as he was tall.

The New York Times - Sports

Dealing with octopus is nowhere near as intimidating as some people make out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He agreed he was still not as intimidating as he once was.

The New York Times - Sports

But none of them are anything like as intimidating as Serie A in the 90s.

The Guardian - Sport

RiverRun is not as intimidating as a Barnes & Noble, where there are so many books that you think: No more!

The New York Times - Books

As intimidating as this building can be, some Terrapins have said they relish playing here because it motivates them, too.

The New York Times - Sports

We have been able to show that The Ring is not as intimidating as many people think.

The Guardian - Music

"As intimidating as it was for teams to come in to play there, it was equally as cozy a place to play for us," Clement said.

The New York Times - Sports

Marinovich's father, Marv, used to ease his son's nerves by telling him not to worry, that he was not doing anything as intimidating as playing the Giants.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as intimidating as" to create vivid comparisons. For example, "The silence was as intimidating as a stare."

Common error

Avoid using "as intimidating as" in situations where a simpler adjective like "intimidating" suffices. Overusing comparisons can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as intimidating as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree to which something possesses the quality of being intimidating, relative to another object, person, or situation. As Ludwig confirms, it is perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as intimidating as" is a commonly used comparative phrase to illustrate the degree of fear or apprehension something evokes by drawing a parallel to something else. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While alternatives such as "just as daunting as" or "equally fearsome as" exist, "as intimidating as" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. It is crucial to avoid overuse and ensure clarity in comparisons to maximize its effectiveness in writing. Analysis of sources indicate the phrase's prevalence in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as daunting as

Emphasizes the challenging or overwhelming aspect, shifting from pure intimidation to a sense of difficulty.

equally fearsome as

Highlights the element of fear and potential danger, rather than just intimidation.

as frightening as

Focuses specifically on the fear-inducing quality, simplifying the original phrase.

as scary as

An informal alternative emphasizing fear, suitable for less formal contexts.

as menacing as

Stresses a threatening quality, implying potential harm or danger.

as unnerving as

Highlights the anxiety-inducing aspect, focusing on psychological discomfort.

as alarming as

Indicates a cause for concern or worry, shifting the focus to potential negative consequences.

as unsettling as

Emphasizes the disturbing or disquieting nature, suggesting a deeper sense of unease.

as imposing as

Focuses on the impressive or formidable nature, which can contribute to intimidation.

just as terrifying as

Similar to 'as frightening as', but with a stronger emphasis on extreme fear.

FAQs

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

Use "as intimidating as" to compare two things that share a similar level of perceived intimidation. For example, "His reputation was "as intimidating as" his physical stature."

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

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "just as daunting as", "equally fearsome as", or simply "very intimidating".

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

Yes, the phrase "as intimidating as" is grammatically correct when used to make comparisons. It follows the standard "as [adjective] as" structure.

What is the difference between "as intimidating as" and simply saying something is "intimidating"?

"Intimidating" describes something that causes fear or apprehension on its own. "As intimidating as" compares the level of intimidation to something else, indicating a similar degree of fear or apprehension to a known or understood reference point. For example, saying something is ""as intimidating as" a horror movie" emphasizes the high level of fear.