as repulsive as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as repulsive as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison, typically to describe something that is extremely unpleasant or disgusting in relation to something else. Example: "The smell from the garbage was as repulsive as a rotting corpse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

That form of "socialism" is as repulsive as fascism or military dictatorships.

The Guardian

He called her "Divinity" but to her he was as repulsive as he proved to be sinful.

Stanford University

The news is quite as repulsive as anything else that the floods have washed down but distaste is not the important thing about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The iconisation of the Adidas Jabulani ball, a substandard object that came close to ruining the actual play, was as repulsive as the exorbitant price of match tickets.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the greatest sculptors of the 20th century, she successfully manipulated household materials into objects that were as seductive as treacle but as repulsive as a wound.

The Guardian - Arts

The gay men (now including David and Mauro) move along to the orgy, which proves as repulsive as the earlier gathering was dull.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

There are other regimes equally as repulsive and as dangerous to their populace.

The Guardian

Viewers see little enough on screen to suggest that the BBC does not find ageing women as repulsive and useless as ever.

The Guardian - Opinion

She noted with bemusement that in Arbus's pictures people who are "pathetic, pitiable, as well as repulsive" look "cheerful, self-accepting, matter-of-fact".

The New Yorker

I won't argue with that, but as hard as it is, as repulsive and distressing, we have to remember that our forefathers were all deviants of this kind.

The New Yorker

Mr. Prabhakaran has mostly remained constant, a man who is ready "to take any method, however repulsive, as long as it furthered his struggle," according to a biography, "Inside an Elusive Mind: Prabhakaran," by M. R. Narayan Swamy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as repulsive as" to create a strong and vivid comparison, highlighting the extreme unpleasantness of something by relating it to another equally or more repulsive entity. Be mindful of your audience and context to ensure the comparison is both effective and appropriate.

Common error

While "as repulsive as" is a powerful comparative phrase, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings. Consider using more nuanced or professional language to convey dislike or disapproval without being overly emotive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as repulsive as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something by likening its level of repulsiveness to that of another entity. This comparative construction enhances the descriptive impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as repulsive as" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative phrase designed to convey a strong sense of aversion or disgust. It functions by drawing a comparison between two entities, highlighting the extreme unpleasantness of one in relation to the other. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

While its usage spans across diverse contexts like news, science, and even academia, its tone should be carefully considered, particularly in formal settings where more neutral expressions might be preferable. Alternatives such as "as disgusting as" or "as abhorrent as" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

Based on the analysis, it's clear that "as repulsive as" serves as a potent tool for expressing dislike, but its effectiveness hinges on judicious application within appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as repellent as

Highlights the action of driving something back or away, inducing aversion.

as abhorrent as

Indicates a feeling of revulsion and moral repugnance.

as loathsome as

Conveys intense dislike and disgust.

as odious as

Emphasizes the unpleasant and offensive nature.

as sickening as

Focuses on causing nausea or disgust.

as heinous as

Emphasizes moral repulsiveness and wickedness.

as atrocious as

Highlights a shockingly bad or horrific quality.

as horrible as

Stresses the unpleasantness and dreadfulness.

as creepy as

Suggests an unsettling or disturbing quality.

as distasteful as

Indicates a lack of pleasure or mild aversion.

FAQs

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

Use "as repulsive as" to compare two things that evoke strong feelings of disgust. For example, "The idea of eating insects is "as repulsive as" the thought of consuming spoiled milk".

What are some alternatives to "as repulsive as"?

Alternatives include "as disgusting as", "as revolting as", or "as abhorrent as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "as repulsive as" might be too strong for certain formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language to express dislike or disapproval if necessary.

What's the difference between "as repulsive as" and "as distasteful as"?

"As repulsive as" suggests a strong feeling of disgust, while "as distasteful as" indicates a milder sense of unpleasantness or dislike. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.