as rough as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as rough as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the roughness of one thing to another, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The road was as rough as a cobblestone street, making the drive quite uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The low value of the sandblasted Denzir copings suggest that the machining process generated a surface roughness that was at least as rough as a machined and sandblasted Denzir surface.

BMC Oral Health

That was as rough as he got.

The New York Times - Books

Lamar's music is rarely as rough as his scenarios.

The New Yorker

The walls are of stone, as rough as excavation.

The New Yorker

The theatre was as rough as our performances.

The Guardian

In the hand, they feel as rough as crushed seashells.

The New York Times - Food

Timing is tricky, especially when the Texas winter has been as rough as this one was.

The New York Times - Travel

For gold miners in California, life was almost as rough as the journey west had been.

The Economist

Mr. White's childhood was as rough as his songs were smooth.

The New York Times - Arts

I said, "Most single women over 30 are as rough as old arseholes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One day he can be imperious, the next as rough as a hangover.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as rough as", ensure that the comparison is vivid and relatable to your audience. For example, "as rough as sandpaper" is more effective if your audience understands the texture of sandpaper.

Common error

Avoid using "as rough as" in contexts where a different adjective would be more precise. For instance, instead of saying "the situation was as rough as usual", consider "the situation was as chaotic as usual" if chaos is the more accurate descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as rough as" functions as a simile, comparing the degree of roughness of one thing to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used to create a vivid and relatable comparison. For example, "as rough as sandpaper" helps the reader understand the tactile quality being described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "as rough as" is a versatile phrase used to create vivid comparisons, primarily in descriptive contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various sources. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, choosing the right comparison (e.g., "as rough as sandpaper" versus "as rough as a cobblestone street") can significantly impact its effectiveness. Common alternatives include "as coarse as", "as bumpy as", and "as harsh as". Being mindful of precision and audience relatability can prevent misuse of this simile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as coarse as

Changes the adjective while maintaining the simile structure to describe texture.

as bumpy as

Replaces "rough" with a different adjective that implies unevenness.

as harsh as

Substitutes "rough" with an adjective suggesting severity or unpleasantness.

as tough as

Replaces "rough" with an adjective indicating resilience or difficulty.

as rugged as

Changes the adjective to describe something uneven and strong.

as severe as

Substitutes "rough" with an adjective indicating seriousness or intensity.

as brutal as

Replaces "rough" with an adjective indicating extreme violence or cruelty.

as crude as

Changes the adjective while maintaining the simile structure to describe something unsophisticated or unrefined.

as foul as

Replaces "rough" with an adjective indicating something unpleasant or offensive.

as violent as

Substitutes "rough" with an adjective indicating physical force or aggression.

FAQs

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

You can use "as rough as" to compare the texture or condition of something to something else that is known to be rough. For example, "The road was "as rough as a cobblestone street"".

What are some alternatives to "as rough as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "as coarse as", "as bumpy as", or "as harsh as".

When is it appropriate to use "as rough as"?

It's appropriate to use "as rough as" when you want to emphasize the unevenness, coarseness, or difficulty associated with something, comparing it to a known standard of roughness.

Is "as rough as" formal or informal?

"As rough as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from a more precise adjective.