as intractable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as intractable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the stubbornness or difficulty of two subjects or situations. Example: "The problem was as intractable as the previous issues we had faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Matters as intractable as population must be included.

The Guardian

The conflict with Cyprus appears as intractable as ever.

The New York Times

Unemployment remains as intractable as it was 20 years ago (36% are out of work).

The Guardian

For with the Soviet Union's demise in 1991, the realities were as intractable as ever.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the problem is not as intractable as you often hear.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other experts said the study's findings were an encouraging sign that hypochondria was not as intractable as people had thought.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Russia's problems in central Asia were as intractable then as now.

The Guardian - Books

That cat proved almost as intractable and difficult as the Vietnam conflict itself.

The New York Times - Books

Cleaning up the tanneries of Kanpur has proved just as intractable a problem as cleaning up the sewers of Varanasi.

The New Yorker

Mitt Romney's personal unpopularity may well be as intractable for him as public opinion about the economy is for Obama.

The New York Times

This broad interest in better schools offers the mayoral candidates an unusual opportunity to wrestle with a problem that looks as intractable today as the city's crime rate appeared to be a few years ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as intractable as" to emphasize the degree to which a problem or situation resists resolution or change. It works best when comparing two similarly difficult things.

Common error

Avoid using "as intractable as" for minor difficulties. This phrase implies a significant challenge, so reserve it for situations that are genuinely difficult to resolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as intractable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something that is difficult to manage, control, or solve, and to compare its level of difficulty to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as intractable as" is a valuable tool for expressing the comparative difficulty of situations or problems. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, especially News & Media and Science. While "as intractable as" effectively conveys the severity of a challenge, it should be reserved for genuinely difficult situations and avoid overuse in simple scenarios. Consider alternatives like "as difficult as" or "as unmanageable as" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as difficult to handle as

Focuses on the difficulty in managing something, similar to the original phrase.

as challenging to resolve as

Highlights the difficulty in finding a solution, shifting emphasis slightly.

as unyielding as

Emphasizes the firmness and resistance to change.

as stubborn as

Implies a refusal to change or be moved, akin to intractability.

as resistant to change as

Specifically addresses the resistance to alteration.

as hard to control as

Highlights the lack of manageability.

as impossible to solve as

Conveys the unsolvable nature of a problem.

as unmanageable as

Focuses on the difficulty in management or control.

as hopelessly complex as

Highlights the complexity and lack of hope for resolution.

as deeply rooted as

Emphasizes the established nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

Use "as intractable as" to compare two problems or situations that are similarly difficult to manage or resolve. For example: "The political situation is "as intractable as" it was a decade ago."

What are some alternatives to "as intractable as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as difficult as", "as unmanageable as", or "as challenging as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the degree to which something resists resolution or is difficult to manage. Ensure the situations you are comparing are genuinely challenging.

What is the difference between "as intractable as" and "as difficult as"?

"As intractable as" implies a more persistent and resistant difficulty compared to "as difficult as". Intractability suggests a problem that is particularly stubborn and hard to solve.