as merry as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as merry as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare someone's happiness or cheerfulness to something that is known to be merry. Example: "She was as merry as a lark during the celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Twice as merry as grigs.

The New Yorker

She and her team will endeavour to make it as merry as possible.

The Guardian

So the roof's as merry as a rustic medieval church, dressed in the colours of north Norfolk.

The Guardian - Books

"Cancan" is as merry as its title suggests with Mr. Tanner channeling the cast into linear patterns.

The New York Times - Arts

" Everything seemed to be as merry as a marriage-bell", added Cadogan, as Stalin went on about the benefits of the Soviet system.

The Guardian

Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, both of them as merry as can be, live in a two-family house in Forest Hills.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And while many viewers may consider that potential consequence of the writers' strike a cause for seasonal celebration, it's not as merry a prospect as one might think.

The New York Times - Arts

At Palm the bulk of the dining room is made up of broad tables of four and six and eight, all of them raucous and crammed into a space that is smaller than it appears from outside its wide windows, and just as merry (or miserable) as it was when Ms. Sheraton stalked its aisles.

The New York Times - Food

Macy's Inc. didn't have as merry a Christmas as it expected, and now all of retail is under the microscope.

Los Angeles Times

Dominic Monaghan has starred in not one but TWO classic geek franchises -- Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films (as Merry the Hobbit) and Lost (as Charlie Pace, guitar god).

Huffington Post

Used for hunting, the beagles are scent hounds described as merry, friendly and curious.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as merry as" to create vivid similes that evoke a sense of joy and lightheartedness. Pair it with nouns that are commonly associated with happiness or festive occasions to enhance the imagery.

Common error

Avoid pairing "as merry as" with overly common comparisons like "Christmas" in every instance. Explore less predictable nouns such as "a maypole dance" or "a summer festival" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as merry as" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison and emphasize the degree of happiness or cheerfulness. Ludwig shows that it is used to describe someone or something exhibiting high spirits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as merry as" is a simile used to describe a state of exuberant happiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and often found in journalistic contexts. While it isn't exceedingly common, it effectively evokes a sense of cheerfulness. For more formal settings, synonyms like ""as cheerful as"" or ""as jovial as"" might be more appropriate. When used, try to avoid overly common comparisons to keep your writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as cheerful as

Focuses on the overall positive disposition and bright outlook.

as jovial as

Emphasizes a hearty and friendly good humor.

as gleeful as

Highlights a sense of exuberant joy and delight.

as lighthearted as

Suggests a carefree and untroubled spirit.

as mirthful as

Highlights the presence of laughter and amusement.

as delighted as

Focuses on a strong feeling of pleasure and satisfaction.

as buoyant as

Emphasizes an optimistic and resilient attitude.

as festive as

Links the happiness to a celebratory or holiday atmosphere.

as spirited as

Highlights enthusiasm and vigor.

as jolly as

Implies a warm and convivial happiness, often associated with the holiday season.

FAQs

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

You can use "as merry as" to compare someone's state of happiness to something else that is known to be merry. For example, you could say "He was "as merry as a schoolboy" on the last day of school".

What phrases are similar to "as merry as"?

Phrases that convey a similar meaning include "as cheerful as", "as jovial as", or "as happy as". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to express.

Is it appropriate to use "as merry as" in formal writing?

While "as merry as" is generally understood and acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise or sophisticated synonyms to convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "as merry as" and "as happy as"?

"As happy as" is a more general term for feeling pleased or content. "As merry as" implies a more lively, cheerful, and often festive kind of happiness. Choosing between them depends on the specific context and the degree of exuberance you want to convey.