as sluggish as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as sluggish as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the slow movement or progress of something to another slow entity, often in a simile format. Example: "After the long meeting, my brain felt as sluggish as molasses on a cold day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In actuality it was as sluggish as the rest.

The New York Times - Arts

Negotiations among lawmakers have been as sluggish as the state's computers.

The New York Times

All later contract months closed higher in a market that stayed about as sluggish as in the two previous sessions.

The New York Times

The pitches in St Lucia were slow, though not quite as sluggish as they were in Guyana.

The Guardian - Sport

At first glance, much of the market in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island looks as sluggish as in the suburbs, according to data from several sources.

The New York Times

But when this spending boom does stop, and if the economic recovery proves as sluggish as most economists predict, then British life will alter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Last week, reports showed a slowdown in manufacturing and job growth, as well as sluggish retail sales.

The New York Times

Dennis Marino, chairman of NDB, said his company's site was sluggish as soon as the market opened yesterday morning.

The New York Times

The smallest reservoir at Hart is close to recent new housing, although development is currently as sluggish in the area as elsewhere because of the recession.

The Guardian

"Growth in the U.S. and Europe is likely to remain sluggish as long as the impact of high debt levels and government budget cuts weigh on economic activity," he said.

The New York Times

On Friday, though, they were sluggish, as flat as they had appeared against Sevilla in the first leg, when Honda replaced the injured Dzagoev in the line of three and Evgeny Aldonin occupied the deeper role.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as sluggish as" to create vivid comparisons, especially when describing processes, systems, or even abstract concepts that are moving slowly or ineffectively. For example, "The legislative process was as sluggish as a snail crawling uphill".

Common error

While "as sluggish as" is acceptable in many situations, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem too informal or colloquial. Opt for more precise and professional vocabulary when describing slow progress or performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as sluggish as" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its slow or inactive state to another entity or concept. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Arts

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Sport

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as sluggish as" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for comparing the slowness or inactivity of something to another object or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and acceptability in English writing. While not as frequent as other comparative phrases, it is common enough to be recognized and understood in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is apt and creates a clear, vivid image for the reader. Be mindful of overusing it in formal writing, where more precise vocabulary may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as lethargic as

Replaces "sluggish" with a synonym emphasizing inactivity and reduced alertness.

as slow as molasses

Uses a common idiom to convey extreme slowness.

as inactive as

Focuses on the lack of activity and movement.

as torpid as

Emphasizes a state of dormancy and reduced physiological activity.

as languid as

Highlights a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

as вялый as

Uses a russian word for lacking energy

as listless as

Suggests a lack of interest or motivation.

as enervated as

Focuses on the feeling of being drained of energy.

as phlegmatic as

Implies a calm and unemotional temperament, often associated with slowness.

as leaden as

Conveys a sense of heaviness and slowness.

FAQs

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

You can use "as sluggish as" to compare something's slowness to another thing. For example, "The website loaded as sluggish as a dial-up connection".

What are some alternatives to "as sluggish as"?

Some alternatives include "as lethargic as", "as slow as molasses", or "as inactive as" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as sluggish as"?

Yes, "as sluggish as" is grammatically correct and follows the standard structure for similes in English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "as slow as" and "as sluggish as"?

"As slow as" generally refers to speed, while "as sluggish as" implies a lack of energy or vitality in addition to being slow. "Sluggish" carries a connotation of being heavy or lacking momentum.