as mysterious as the

USAGE SUMMARY

That part of a sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison between something and something else, where the something else is mysterious. Example: He was as mysterious as the dark side of the moon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is as mysterious as the Big Bang.

The Guardian - Books

The Giulianis' marital deal is as mysterious as the Clintons'.

The New York Times

How this works is as mysterious as the logic of mosquitoes' blood preferences.

The New Yorker

Was the decorator's budget going to be as mysterious as the decorator's source of inspiration?

The New York Times

The lawsuit filed earlier this week was as mysterious as the the painting's provenance.

The New York Times - Arts

For biologists, few phenomena are as mysterious as the female orgasm.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Damon, who plays a super-spy warrior in the "Bourne" films, excels at secretive men, and few are as mysterious as Edward Wilson, the spy catcher in "The Good Shepherd".

The New York Times

At present, the answers to these questions remain mysterious, as mysterious as what the tired-looking septuagenarians I saw lunching beneath a picture of Sid Vicious might have thought of him if someone told them who he was and what he did.

Vice

Who this boy is, who took him and even who wants him back are questions that remain as mysterious as where the boy might be.

The Washington Post

Although the human genome has now been mapped using numerous techniques, some parts remain resistant to accurate sequencing, nearly as mysterious as parts of the world once marked with sea monsters and dragons by 13th-century mapmakers.

Stanford University

The set is as mysterious as Alkan's prelude, the movement design as refined and energetic as Mendelssohn's fugue and the piece is mesmerizing in its coherence with the music.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as mysterious as the", ensure the comparison is vivid and relatable to your audience. Choose subjects known for their enigmatic nature to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using overly common comparisons like "as mysterious as the ocean" in every context. Opt for more specific and less predictable comparisons to maintain reader interest and convey a unique perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as mysterious as the" serves primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison between the subject at hand and something else known for its mysterious or enigmatic qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction effectively enhances descriptions by evoking a sense of intrigue and uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as mysterious as the" functions as a simile, effectively drawing comparisons to well-known enigmas to emphasize obscurity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across a multitude of contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, this construction serves to underscore the inexplicable nature of a subject by aligning it with a universally recognized symbol of mystery. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid overuse of clichés, opting for specific comparisons that resonate with the intended audience, thus maximizing impact and avoiding predictability. Employing this phrase thoughtfully can enrich writing by adding depth and intrigue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as enigmatic as the

Replaces "mysterious" with "enigmatic", implying a puzzle or riddle.

as puzzling as the

Substitutes "mysterious" with "puzzling", suggesting confusion and difficulty in understanding.

as unfathomable as the

Uses "unfathomable" instead of "mysterious", emphasizing the depth and complexity that makes something hard to grasp.

as obscure as the

Replaces "mysterious" with "obscure", highlighting the lack of clarity and visibility.

as impenetrable as the

Uses "impenetrable" suggesting that something is impossible to understand or get through.

as cryptic as the

Substitutes "mysterious" with "cryptic", implying a hidden or secret meaning.

as elusive as the

Replaces "mysterious" with "elusive", suggesting something that is difficult to catch or define.

as baffling as the

Substitutes "mysterious" with "baffling", indicating something that perplexes or frustrates.

as inscrutable as the

Uses "inscrutable" instead of "mysterious", highlighting the difficulty in interpreting someone's expression or intentions.

as unknown as the

Replaces "mysterious" with "unknown", simply emphasizing the lack of knowledge or information.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as mysterious as the" in a sentence?

Use "as mysterious as the" to draw a comparison, highlighting the enigmatic nature of the subject. For example, "His disappearance was "as mysterious as the" Bermuda Triangle" emphasizes the unexplained circumstances.

What phrases can I use instead of "as mysterious as the"?

Alternatives include "as enigmatic as the", "as puzzling as the", or "as unfathomable as the depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey".

Is it correct to say "as mysterious as" without "the"?

While grammatically understandable, adding "the" after "as mysterious as" typically enhances the phrasing by implying a specific, well-known mystery for comparison, such as ""as mysterious as the" Sphinx".

What makes "as mysterious as the" different from "quite mysterious"?

"As mysterious as the" creates a simile, directly comparing the subject to something known for its mystery. "Quite mysterious" simply emphasizes the level of mystery without offering a specific comparison.