as rotten as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as rotten as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in comparisons to describe something that is very bad or unpleasant, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The situation in the company was as rotten as the last batch of spoiled fruit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It might produce a result as rotten as February's vote.

The Economist

ZANU-PF is as rotten as Mr Mugabe.

The Economist

Perhaps, then, Britain wasn't quite as rotten as it initially seemed to the Jamaican intellectual?

The Guardian

He expressed this in a rather nicely chosen phrase: "The underworld is as rotten as the bourgeois world".

The Guardian - Film

It doesn't matter whether you teach economics with XXX board or further maths with YYY, they are as rotten as each other.

The Guardian

Sent to the countryside to investigate the disappearance of a doctor's wife, the unnamed narrator discovers that rural England is as rotten as London.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Great fiction is still being written, as well as rotten fiction," Mr. Borden added.

The New York Times

His appendix had ripened and become as rotten and vile as a piece of fallen fruit.

The New York Times

But at Sierra Chincua, the dead were certainly there, if not yet as rotten smelling as at Rosario.

The New York Times - Science

I didn't want these people to be able to change me, to touch me inside and turn me as rotten and stagnant as they were.

The Guardian

From the get-go since taking office, he has been dealt about as rotten a hand as any mayor has seen when it comes to city finances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “as rotten as” to vividly emphasize the negative qualities of something, but be mindful of your audience, as it carries a strong negative connotation. It’s best used when describing things you want to strongly condemn.

Common error

Avoid using “as rotten as” in formal writing. Its strong and somewhat informal tone can be inappropriate for academic or professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like “as degraded as” or “as damaged as” to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase “as rotten as” functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, intensifying the description of a noun by comparing it to something that is decayed, corrupt, or extremely unpleasant. Ludwig AI indicates its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “as rotten as” is a comparative adjective phrase used to vividly describe something extremely unpleasant or corrupt. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence in news and media, while cautioning against overuse in formal settings. For professional contexts, consider using less emotive alternatives like "as degraded as". While “as rotten as” effectively conveys strong negative imagery, be mindful of the tone and appropriateness for your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as bad as

A simpler, more general way to express a similar negative comparison.

as foul as

Focuses more on the unpleasant or offensive nature of something.

as terrible as

Broader term emphasizing severity, though slightly less intense.

as disgusting as

Highlights the revolting and sickening aspects.

as awful as

Similar to 'as terrible as', but with a slightly more emotional tone.

as corrupt as

Highlights moral decay or dishonesty.

as wretched as

Emphasizes misery and poor condition.

as decayed as

Emphasizes physical decomposition or decline.

as putrid as

Emphasizes a strong, offensive smell and state of decay.

as immoral as

Focuses on the absence of moral principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "as rotten as" to compare something to a state of decay or extreme negativity. For example, "The state of the economy is "as rotten as" week-old garbage".

What are some alternatives to "as rotten as"?

Alternatives include "as bad as", "as foul as", or "as corrupt as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as rotten as" too informal for professional writing?

Yes, "as rotten as" can be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using a more neutral or formal alternative like "as degraded as" or "as damaged as".

What kind of imagery does "as rotten as" evoke?

"As rotten as" typically evokes imagery of decay, corruption, and something being extremely unpleasant. It's a strong, negative comparison that suggests a severe state of degradation.