as rigid as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as rigid as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the degree of rigidity of a subject, often in a comparative context. Example: "The policy is as rigid as it is, leaving no room for flexibility in exceptional cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He wants Italy's labour market to stay as rigid as it is, with jobs for life and unions making the country's economic policy together with the employers and the government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His voice is raspy, and his flow isn't as rigid as it was early in his career.

The New York Times - Arts

The British class system may not be as rigid as it once was but Claflin confirms that in certain situations, one is still encouraged to know one's place.

The Guardian - Film

Board member Joseph D. Mandel chided the homeowners for "not welcoming the church into their neighborhood". "I do believe that this community just can't be as rigid as it has been about something as benign as a church," Mandel said.

Los Angeles Times

But he acknowledged that "enforcement of the law is not always as rigid as it could be".

The New York Times

"It's not as rigid as it used to be".

Independent

And the big-band format, though never quite as rigid as it seemed, has been revitalized within the last dozen years or so by an engagingly pliable set of protocols.

The New York Times - Arts

If the Cabriolet has any overt faults, it's that in order to get the car as rigid as possible and it is exceedingly stiff, with little apparent flex to the chassis even on broken pavement or bending through tight turns it's also been made quite heavy.

Forbes

So the £50,000 limit is not as rigid as it seems.

BBC

Ceramide is known to give rise to rigid microdomains as soon as it is formed by hydrolysis of SMase24,43,44.

Nature

Although not as strong or as rigid as carbon fiber, it is much cheaper and significantly less brittle when used in composites.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as rigid as it is" to emphasize a lack of flexibility or adaptability, particularly when comparing it to an expected or desired state. For example, "The company's policy on remote work is as rigid as it is, preventing many employees from benefiting from flexible arrangements."

Common error

Avoid using "as rigid as it is" when a more positive attribute like 'stable' or 'structured' is intended. Rigidity often carries a negative connotation of inflexibility, which may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as rigid as it is" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the degree of inflexibility or unyielding nature of the subject. As noted by Ludwig, it correctly highlights a lack of flexibility in the specified context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as rigid as it is" is a correct and usable English expression that serves to emphasize a lack of flexibility or an unyielding quality. Ludwig's analysis and examples indicate that it's commonly used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While the phrase is functional, it's crucial to be mindful of its connotations; rigidity often carries a negative implication. Alternatives like "as strict as it is" or "as inflexible as it is" might be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase appears frequently in media outlets, so knowing how to properly use it will improve clarity and avoid any misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as strict as it is

Focuses more on adherence to rules or precision.

as inflexible as it is

Emphasizes the lack of adaptability or willingness to change.

as unyielding as it is

Highlights resistance to pressure or influence.

as firm as it is

Implies a strong resolve or solid stance.

as unbending as it is

Similar to unyielding, stressing an unwillingness to be persuaded.

as taut as it is

Describes something stretched or strained to its limit.

as tense as it is

Implies a state of strain or nervousness.

as immutable as it is

Focuses on the inability to be changed or altered.

as fixed as it is

Emphasizes the state of being firmly in place or unchangeable.

as set in stone as it is

An idiom that emphasizes the permanence and unchangeability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "as rigid as it is" in a sentence?

Use "as rigid as it is" to emphasize the unyielding or inflexible nature of something. For example, "The new regulations are "as rigid as it is", leaving little room for negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "as rigid as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "as strict as it is", "as inflexible as it is", or "as unyielding as it is" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "as rigid as it is" and "as strict as it is"?

While both phrases imply a lack of flexibility, "as rigid as it is" emphasizes the unbending nature of something, while "as strict as it is" focuses on adherence to rules or requirements.

When is it inappropriate to use "as rigid as it is"?

It may be inappropriate to use "as rigid as it is" in situations where you want to convey stability or structure without implying a negative lack of flexibility. In such cases, consider using terms like "stable" or "well-structured".