as pliable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as pliable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the flexibility or adaptability of one thing to another, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The new material is as pliable as rubber, making it ideal for various applications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Lars too is a doll, as pliable as Bianca and just as phony.

The New York Times

Feltrinelli, like all Italian communists, wasn't as pliable as his Soviet counterparts.

The Guardian - Books

It was as pliable as rubber and could stretch to a hundred and twenty per cent of its length.

The New Yorker

She could enter horse shows, but the animal at the end of her reins is not always as pliable as the ball at the end of her racket.

The New York Times - Sports

When that arrangement broke down in disagreement, she hired the American author Cleveland Amory, but he, too, was not as pliable as she wished.

The New York Times

Politicians of all parties have been given notice that they cannot count on the police being as pliable as in the past.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And he probably never found actors as pliable and accommodating as Ariel and his company of spirits.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Griddled to order, the dosa itself was soft and pliable, as delicate as lace at its edge.

The Guardian - Travel

The group they led was marked by a passionate devotion to the history of cinema, especially Hollywood cinema; an obsession with the singular role of the director as a film's creator; and the transformation of the industrial craft of the movies into an art form as pliable, personal, and intimate as the novel.

The New Yorker

It's not that I was ambivalent so much as pliable.

The New York Times

In our view, this similar view of responsibility and agency has its roots in a similar view of nature as pliable and disposable.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as pliable as", ensure that the comparison is clear and relatable to your audience. For example, "as pliable as clay" is more easily understood than "as pliable as a complex algorithm".

Common error

Avoid using "as pliable as" in highly abstract or technical contexts where the comparison loses its effectiveness. For example, describing a business strategy as "as pliable as quantum physics" would likely confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as pliable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe something by comparing its pliability to something else. Ludwig AI shows its use across diverse contexts, enhancing descriptions with vivid imagery.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

20%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as pliable as" is a comparative expression used to highlight the degree of flexibility or malleability of something by drawing a comparison to another object or concept. Ludwig AI analysis of real-world examples indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Arts-related writing. When using "as pliable as", ensure the comparison is easily understood by your audience, and avoid using it in overly abstract or technical contexts where its impact may be diminished. Semantically related alternatives include "as flexible as" and "as supple as", which can provide subtle variations in meaning depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as flexible as

Emphasizes physical flexibility or adaptability to change; slightly more common.

as supple as

Highlights smoothness and ease of movement; often associated with physical flexibility.

as bendable as

Focuses on the ability to be bent without breaking or damage.

as malleable as

Indicates the capacity to be shaped or molded, often under pressure or heat.

as adaptable as

Stresses the ability to adjust to new conditions or situations.

as compliant as

Highlights willingness to conform or obey; can imply a lack of resistance.

as tractable as

Emphasizes ease of being managed or controlled; suggests docility.

as yielding as

Focuses on giving way under pressure; suggests submissiveness.

as impressionable as

Highlights susceptibility to influence; often used in a psychological context.

as responsive as

Emphasizes sensitivity and quick reaction to stimuli.

FAQs

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

You can use "as pliable as" to compare the flexibility or adaptability of something to another object or concept. For instance, "The dough was "as pliable as" Play-Doh after kneading."

What phrases are similar to "as pliable as"?

Similar phrases include "as flexible as", "as supple as", and "as adaptable as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as pliable as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "as pliable as" follows the standard English structure for comparisons using "as...as".

In what contexts is "as pliable as" most appropriate?

The phrase "as pliable as" is suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize the flexibility, malleability, or adaptability of something, especially in relation to physical properties or behaviors. Common contexts include describing materials, personalities, or strategies.