as nonexistent as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as nonexistent as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the absence of something to another thing that is also absent or nonexistent. Example: "The evidence for his claims was as nonexistent as the mythical creatures he spoke of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Violets, sparkling wine, and trays themselves were as nonexistent as the lover(s), of course, but once again, Why not?

The New Yorker

Indeed, the evidence that pro-Clinton Hispanics are flocking to Mr. McCain is as nonexistent as the evidence of a female stampede.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It never quite disappeared, but for decades it was as good as nonexistent, inaccessible and overrun by decay.

The Guardian - Arts

Yet, Mr. Carson said, "He is nonexistent as far as the press corps is concerned, except when he makes a perceived gaffe.

The New York Times

According to Shankara's theory of error, the false appearance is a positive, presented entity that is characterized neither as existent (because it is sublated when the illusion is corrected) nor as nonexistent (because it is presented, given as much as the real is).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In our conversations, Holder repeatedly described voter fraud as "nonexistent".

The New Yorker

Many West Europeans-the Germans first & foremost-now see the Soviet threat as nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Greek life at Bard is nonexistent, as are any athletic teams that one might take seriously.

The New Yorker

No church pretends to treat its own history as nonexistent or unimportant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While we can conceive finite, contingent, entities as nonexistent, we cannot conceive as nonexistent an infinite, necessary entity, namely, an entity that combines all affirmative features and properties to the highest degree.

SEP

Moreover, in its definition of condonation the OED asserts that to condone is to "forgive or overlook (an offense) so as to treat it as nonexistent".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as nonexistent as" to create a strong comparison, highlighting the complete absence of something by relating it to another clearly nonexistent concept or entity.

Common error

Avoid using "as nonexistent as" when something is merely scarce or diminished. The phrase implies a complete lack of existence, so ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. If something is present but minimal, consider alternatives like "virtually nonexistent" or "as good as nonexistent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as nonexistent as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to emphasize the complete absence or lack of something by comparing it to something else equally lacking in existence. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as nonexistent as" is a grammatically sound and effective way to emphasize the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves as a comparative adjective phrase, creating a vivid comparison to something that clearly does not exist. While relatively rare in general usage, this expression is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias and science contexts, indicating a tendency towards formal or neutral communication. When using this phrase, ensure that it truly reflects a complete lack of existence rather than a mere scarcity, to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as good as nonexistent

This alternative implies that something is so diminished or ineffective that it is functionally equivalent to being nonexistent.

practically nonexistent

This alternative conveys a similar meaning but emphasizes the near absence of something, rather than a complete lack of existence.

virtually nonexistent

This alternative suggests that something is so close to not existing that it's effectively the same as being nonexistent.

effectively nonexistent

This alternative highlights the practical consequences of something being absent or irrelevant.

completely absent

This alternative emphasizes the total absence of something

tantamount to nonexistence

This alternative presents a stronger and more formal assertion of something being equivalent to nonexistence.

for all intents and purposes nonexistent

This alternative suggests that in all practical considerations, something can be regarded as nonexistent.

utterly lacking

This alternative conveys the absolute absence of something

conspicuously absent

This alternative emphasizes the noticeable lack of something, implying its expected presence.

nowhere to be found

This alternative means something cannot be found

FAQs

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

You can use "as nonexistent as" to emphasize the complete lack of something by comparing it to something else that is clearly not present. For example, "The evidence was "as nonexistent as" a unicorn's horn" highlights that there was no evidence at all.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as nonexistent as"?

Alternatives include "virtually nonexistent", "practically nonexistent", or "as good as nonexistent". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a near absence versus a complete lack of existence.

Is "as nonexistent as" grammatically correct?

Yes, "as nonexistent as" is grammatically correct and used to draw a comparison, emphasizing the absence of something in a clear and vivid way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase.

What is the difference between "nonexistent" and "virtually nonexistent"?

"Nonexistent" means something does not exist at all. "Virtually nonexistent" implies that something is so minimal or ineffective that it is essentially the same as being nonexistent. The nuance lies in whether there's a complete absence or a presence so small it's negligible.