as soiled as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as soiled as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison regarding the level of dirtiness or uncleanliness of an object or person. Example: "The laundry was piled high, and the clothes were as soiled as they could be after a week of camping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For some of his critics, Vergès' client list meant his hands were as soiled as those of the people he defended.

Independent

Developers now call it interval ownership or vacation ownership -- anything but time sharing, a term that became as soiled as the carpet in the earliest time-shares, which often suffered financial woes or were sold deceptively.

The New York Times - Travel

So it's with particular force that we feel Mitch's disappointment when his feelings for Blanche come crashing down, Mr. Kay seeming himself to become as soiled as the mothlike Blanche, whose purity in his eyes has flamed out.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's also a risk of infection resulting from ingesting some substances (such as soil), as well as a risk of stomach-related issues.

Columbia University

One-way ANOVA was implemented to test the differences in plant As, soil As, and selected soil properties between both sampling sites or between both two seasons.

BioMed Research International

Soils as well as soil + biochar mixtures were treated with 12 levels of solution P concentrations.

Geoderma

The calibration method considered different soil types as well as soil water content.

Journal of Terramechanics

Moreover, these selected species can be applied to increase soil microbial diversity, as well as soil quality and soil health.

Applied Soil Ecology

Placement and sizing is important, as well as soils and subsoils.

Cornell University

The Environmental Working Group examined 300 households nationwide that took swabs of their decks and play equipment as well as soil samples.

The New York Times - Health

Soil CO2 fluxes as well as soil temperature and moisture at a depth of 5 cm were measured weekly.

Applied Soil Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as soiled as" when you want to create a vivid comparison emphasizing a high degree of dirtiness or moral corruption. The phrase is suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "as soiled as" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "as dirty as" or more context-specific terms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as soiled as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing its state of being dirty or tainted, often used figuratively. Ludwig's analysis supports this usage, providing examples where the phrase emphasizes the extent of soiling.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as soiled as" is a comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize a high degree of dirtiness or moral corruption. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and functions effectively in both literal and figurative contexts. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds primary usage in news and media, with some presence in academic and scientific writing. When aiming for precision or formality, writers may consider alternatives such as "as dirty as" or "as tainted as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dirty as

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to express a similar level of uncleanliness.

as unclean as

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the lack of cleanliness.

as filthy as

This alternative emphasizes a stronger degree of dirtiness and repulsiveness.

as grimy as

This alternative emphasizes a surface covered with dirt or grime.

as stained as

This alternative suggests that something has been permanently marked or blemished, similar to being soiled.

as sullied as

This alternative implies that something has been tarnished or defiled, often in a moral or reputational sense.

as besmirched as

This alternative is a more formal way of saying that something's reputation has been damaged.

as tainted as

This alternative shifts the focus to moral corruption or being spoiled in a non-physical sense.

as contaminated as

This alternative implies that something has been polluted or infected.

as defiled as

This alternative suggests a strong sense of something being desecrated or made impure.

FAQs

What does "as soiled as" mean?

The phrase "as soiled as" is used to describe something that is extremely dirty or morally tainted. It's a comparative expression indicating a high degree of uncleanliness or corruption.

What can I say instead of "as soiled as"?

You can use alternatives like "as dirty as", "as filthy as", or "as tainted as" depending on the context.

Is "as soiled as" a formal or informal expression?

"As soiled as" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in descriptive or literary writing. In professional settings, consider using "as dirty as" or more specific terms.

How do I use "as soiled as" in a sentence?

You can use "as soiled as" to compare the state of something to something else known for its dirtiness or corruption. For example, "His reputation was as soiled as a politician's promise after the scandal."