as irritating as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as irritating as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of irritation of one thing to another. Example: "Waiting in long lines can be as irritating as dealing with constant interruptions during a meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

McConaughey has to be the dullest leading man in Hollywood; as for Kate Hudson - well, granted, she's supposed to be acting irritating in many scenes, but does she have to be as irritating as all that?

The Guardian

Her turbo-charged effervescence is as irritating as it is charming.

The New York Times

Yet somehow they lost it, fading to a defeat as irritating as Michael Hurley's hairstyle.

The Guardian - Sport

As irritating as Thom Browne's fashion is, it can't be ignored.

The New York Times

But some theatergoers find it almost as irritating as a pager going off in midperformance.

The New York Times

These chapters have a rambling, irrelevant quality — as irritating as real-life old-person interruptions.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

And for Biba's nearly-as-irritating-as-she-is, fake-gangster boyfriend who was shot moments later.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In April Dr Anderson set out to test whether a recording of him singing the "gathering songs" used during traditional round-ups would be as effective at herding cattle as irritating sounds such as barking dogs, or electric shocks.

The Economist

Adam was nine; when a psychiatrist later asked him about it, he said that his parents were as irritating to each other as they were to him.

The New Yorker

Lowering cars as close to the pavement as possible was a symbol of defiance, as irritating to authorities as drag-racing souped up Model A's or installing very loud sound systems in Honda Civics.

The New York Times

By the same token the performances of Gary Ballance, who was almost as irritating to Sri Lanka as he is to the spellchecker on this laptop (try writing his surname and you will understand why), and Chris Jordan took on a greater meaning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as irritating as" to draw parallels between experiences or items that are surprisingly similar in their capacity to annoy. This can create a stronger impact on the reader.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "as irritating as" in very formal or academic writing can sometimes seem too informal. Consider more precise or nuanced vocabulary to convey the specific type and degree of irritation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as irritating as" functions as a comparative phrase, indicating a similarity in the level of annoyance caused by two different subjects. Ludwig's examples show it used across various contexts to equate the level of irritation from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as irritating as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to equate the level of annoyance caused by different things. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is considered correct and frequently appears in news, media, and general conversational contexts. While it might be less suited for extremely formal or academic writing, its versatility and clarity make it a useful tool for expressing comparisons of annoyance. Just ensure that the comparison is clear and specific to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as annoying as

Replaces "irritating" with "annoying", a synonym with a slightly broader connotation.

equally frustrating as

Substitutes "irritating" with "frustrating", emphasizing the feeling of being thwarted or prevented from achieving a goal.

as bothersome as

Uses "bothersome" instead of "irritating", focusing on the feeling of being disturbed or inconvenienced.

as vexing as

Replaces "irritating" with "vexing", which implies a more prolonged or intense level of annoyance.

as aggravating as

Uses "aggravating" to indicate something that makes a problem or situation worse.

as displeasing as

Emphasizes the lack of enjoyment or satisfaction caused by something.

as maddening as

Suggests a higher degree of irritation, bordering on anger or frustration.

as irksome as

A more formal synonym for irritating.

as grating as

Implies an abrasive or unpleasant effect on the senses or feelings.

as offensive as

Indicates that something is causing hurt feelings or resentment.

FAQs

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

You can use "as irritating as" to compare two things that cause a similar level of annoyance. For example, "Dealing with slow internet is "as irritating as" waiting in a long line at the DMV".

What are some alternatives to "as irritating as"?

Some alternatives include "just as annoying as", "equally frustrating as", or "as bothersome as". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as irritating as" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as irritating as" might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or sophisticated vocabulary to describe the source and degree of annoyance.

What's the difference between "as irritating as" and "more irritating than"?

"As irritating as" indicates that two things are equally annoying, whereas "more irritating than" suggests that one thing is more annoying than the other. The choice depends on the specific comparison you want to make.