as shaky as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as shaky as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge a situation or condition that is unstable or uncertain, often while also implying acceptance or understanding of that instability. Example: "The plan is, as shaky as it is, still our best option for moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

If a company has overestimated demand, then "given the credit market as shaky as it is, it's difficult to get new debt to fund operations and it's as difficult, if not more difficult, to refinance the existing debt," said Dominic DiNapoli, managing partner of business recovery services at PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York.

The New York Times

But, while other actresses have successfully searched for mentors — Marlene Dietrich found her way to Josef von Sternberg, Bette Davis landed in William Wyler's productions at Warners, and Diane Keaton teamed up with Woody Allen Kidmanan hasn't always been lucky in her choices, and her taste in scripts is often as shaky as it is brave.

The New Yorker

Several well-known writers have used the Coghlan letter, as shaky as it is, as clearance to create hypothetical evidence in an attempt to challenge and revise the historical record.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Based on one traditional gauge of volatility — the number of trading days when stock prices move up or down by 2 percent or more — the market today is nowhere near as shaky as it was in 2008 or 2009.

The New York Times

But in a landscape as shaky as any, it is not certain that Payton will be a Laker next season.

The New York Times - Sports

Disclaimers to the contrary — "Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as a fiddler on the roof," Tevye says — the fiddler represents the emotional cement that binds and defines the tribe.

The New Yorker

Even with improved drilling technologies, Mr. Bush's plan to open the refuge is as environmentally unsound and intellectually shaky as it was when Ronald Reagan suggested it 20 years ago and when Mr. Bush's father suggested it a decade ago.

The New York Times

As shaky as Mulder was, Lieber was worse.

The New York Times - Sports

They badly wanted Lee, and as shaky as their rotation was in the second half, he must look even more appealing now. Lee twirled a complete-game six-hitter to beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-1, and lift the Rangers to their first American League Championship Series on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

As shaky as those advisories might be, there are more reliable places to look.

The New York Times

"I plead pressure of work on the evening for the mistake but I do acknowledge this defence is as shaky as your team's," was the general thrust of the reply.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as shaky as it is", ensure the surrounding context provides sufficient information about why something is shaky. Avoid vague references to instability.

Common error

Avoid using "as shaky as it is" as a standalone observation. Always clarify what aspects of the subject are unstable or uncertain. For example, instead of saying "The economy is as shaky as it is", specify "The economy's growth is as shaky as it is, due to fluctuating oil prices and consumer confidence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as shaky as it is" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or situation by describing its level of instability or uncertainty. As Ludwig AI shows, it often introduces a contrast or concession, acknowledging a weakness while still moving forward.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as shaky as it is" is a phrase used to acknowledge instability or uncertainty while suggesting a willingness to proceed despite it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for neutral contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "as precarious as it is" or "despite its instability" offer similar meanings, "as shaky as it is" provides a specific nuance of acknowledging but not being deterred by a known weakness. Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as precarious as it is

Replaces "shaky" with "precarious", emphasizing the risk of collapse or failure.

as unstable as it is

Substitutes "shaky" with "unstable", highlighting a lack of firmness or consistency.

as tenuous as it is

Replaces "shaky" with "tenuous", emphasizing a weak or uncertain connection.

as fragile as it is

Substitutes "shaky" with "fragile", highlighting vulnerability to damage or collapse.

as vulnerable as it is

Replaces "shaky" with "vulnerable", stressing susceptibility to harm or negative influence.

as uncertain as it is

Substitutes "shaky" with "uncertain", emphasizing a lack of predictability or assurance.

despite its instability

Changes the structure to a prepositional phrase, focusing on the instability as a known factor.

even though it's unstable

Introduces a concessive clause, acknowledging the instability but proceeding regardless.

in spite of its uncertainty

Similar to "despite its instability", but uses "uncertainty" to highlight the lack of sureness.

given its fragile nature

Shifts the focus to the inherent fragility as a given condition.

FAQs

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

Use "as shaky as it is" to acknowledge a situation's instability while still considering it viable, such as, "The plan, "as shaky as it is", remains our best option".

What are some alternatives to saying "as shaky as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "as precarious as it is", "as unstable as it is", or "despite its instability" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "as shaky as it is"?

Not necessarily. While "as shaky as it is" acknowledges a weakness or instability, it can also imply resilience or a willingness to work with imperfect conditions. The overall tone depends on the surrounding context.

How does "as shaky as it is" differ from "unstable"?

"Unstable" is a direct description of something's condition. "As shaky as it is" acknowledges that instability but often implies a continued consideration or acceptance despite it.