as obstinate as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as obstinate as the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's stubbornness to something or someone else that is known for being obstinate. Example: "She was as obstinate as the mule, refusing to change her mind no matter the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There have been lineup changes, musical shifts and a couple of periods of inaction, but the Wire of 2015 are every bit as obstinate as the band dodging bottles on the Electric Ballroom's stage 35 years ago.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As obstinate as she has been to overcome the bureaucratic, social and financial hurdles of working in the township, Ms. Nalden turns motherly and soft in the practice room.

The New York Times

He was still as obstinate as ever and still felt an intense duty to guide the country, but now he reckoned with political reality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But has there been a match where a referee has very publicly and obviously changed his mind after being convinced by a cogent argument from a player?" Despite the increasing frequency of 6ft 4in players with no neck/hair pressing their heads against the referee, those men in black remain as obstinate as ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes, he really can be as obstinate as he looks.

The Guardian - Sport

He replied that he had begun a humane "little work" that would show her "I am not as obstinate as you think".

The New Yorker

Democrats, preparing for a veto fight, immediately sought to paint the president as obstinate in the face of broad public sentiment against the war.

The New York Times

Democrats, preparing for a veto fight, sought to portray President Bush as obstinate in the face of public sentiment against the war.

The New York Times

Portraying herself as "loquacious, assertive and impatient" as well as "obstinate and impulsive," the author brings light and air to what might otherwise be a claustrophobic tale.

The New York Times - Books

"These are different times, times that are not as obstinate or intransigent," said the Rev. José Oscar Beozzo, a historian of the Catholic church in Latin America and a supporter of liberation theology.

The New York Times

Congressional: to act infantile and obstinate, as in "Cut the crap and just call your mother-in-law.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as obstinate as the", ensure the comparison is clear and that the subject it's being compared to is well-known for its stubbornness. Consider whether a more common comparison, such as "as stubborn as a mule", might be more readily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as obstinate as the" with obscure or abstract concepts. A comparison only works if the reader immediately understands the reference point. If the comparison is too abstract or unfamiliar, it loses its impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as obstinate as the" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It functions to emphasize the degree of stubbornness or unyielding nature of a subject by drawing a comparison to a specific entity. As Ludwig suggests, it is a valid English construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as obstinate as the" is a comparative construction used to highlight a subject's stubbornness by comparing it to something else. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct and usable. While the phrase itself is valid, it's relatively rare and depends heavily on the context and the comparison being made. Common alternatives like "as stubborn as a mule" might be more readily understood. When using "as obstinate as the", ensure the comparison is clear and recognizable to your audience to avoid confusion. Although, in this case, the example that we have comes from News & Media and therefore the tone is neutral in a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stubborn as a mule

Uses a more common animal comparison for stubbornness.

as inflexible as iron

Emphasizes rigidity and unwillingness to bend.

as firm as a rock

Highlights unwavering resolve and resistance to change.

as headstrong as an ox

Implies a determined and willful nature.

as persistent as a weed

Focuses on the ability to continue despite obstacles.

as tenacious as a bulldog

Highlights a firm grip and unwillingness to let go.

as unyielding as steel

Emphasizes resistance to pressure and change.

as resolute as a statue

Focuses on fixed determination and immovability.

as obdurate as stone

Suggests a hardened and unfeeling resistance.

as intractable as a knot

Implies difficulty in managing or resolving a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "as obstinate as the" in a sentence?

You can use "as obstinate as the" to compare someone or something's stubbornness to another entity known for being very stubborn. For example, "He was "as obstinate as the manager" in refusing to compromise".

What are some alternatives to "as obstinate as the"?

Some alternatives include "as stubborn as a mule", "as inflexible as iron", or simply "very obstinate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as obstinate as the" or "as stubborn as a"?

It depends on what you are comparing to. "As stubborn as a mule" is a very common idiom. "As obstinate as the" is less common, so ensure the noun following "the" provides a clear comparison.

What does "obstinate" mean?

"Obstinate" means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so. It's similar to "stubborn" but often implies a more willful and unreasonable refusal.