as squalid as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as squalid as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make comparisons, typically to describe something that is extremely dirty, unpleasant, or morally degraded. Example: "The abandoned house was as squalid as the worst slums in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I wanted to make it look as squalid as it is.

The Guardian - Books

The tent camp at Aki-Yurt is not as squalid as some refugee camps around the world.

The New York Times

The elder Ms. Barnes disputed that the interior was as squalid as the police and health officials claimed.

The New York Times

Are the Liberal Democrats as squalid as the rest, only interested in carving out their slice of the Westminster action?

The Guardian - Opinion

Prize-linked savings accounts, it seems, have turned out to be not quite as squalid as Wilson once thought.*"Savings and Prize-Linked Savings Accounts", K.

The Economist

A squalid vignette in Calcutta -- as squalid as it gets in this exhibition -- depicts ragpickers going through a trash dump on a corner lot.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Shot in New York City, "Traffic in Souls" today has a powerful documentary component, with fascinating views of Ellis Island (never quite as squalid and crowded in contemporary films as it would be imagined later), the Upper West Side and Penn Station.

The New York Times

Departing recruits are feted at parties that come off as squalid in their frivolity.

The New York Times - Books

They should be made aware, however, that Room 9 is often described as squalid.

The New York Times

But nearly 400 remain jailed in Belantik, a Malaysian detention centre, in what former inmates describe as squalid conditions.

The Guardian

We bundle through as squalid apartment block, its pulverised rooms littered with skeletal furniture, and out into an open street.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as squalid as" to create a vivid and impactful comparison, particularly when describing living conditions or environments characterized by extreme dirt, poverty, and neglect. The phrase is particularly effective when you want to evoke a strong sense of revulsion or moral condemnation.

Common error

Avoid using "as squalid as" in situations where the negative connotations are inappropriate or overly dramatic. The phrase carries a strong negative charge and is best reserved for contexts that genuinely warrant such intense description. Consider using milder alternatives like "as untidy as" or "as run-down as" /s/as+run-down+as in more neutral contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as squalid as" is to act as a comparative phrase, specifically indicating that something is equally as filthy, degraded, or neglected as another. Ludwig AI examples show it's typically used to describe living conditions, environments, or even moral states. This phrase emphasizes a severe level of unpleasantness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Books

23%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Vice

8%

Sport

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as squalid as" is a comparative expression used to describe something that is extremely dirty, unpleasant, or morally degraded. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in reputable sources, particularly in News & Media, Books, and Arts. While it's a relatively uncommon expression, it can add vividness and impact to your writing when used appropriately to describe situations involving extreme filth and neglect. However, exercise caution and consider using milder alternatives in more neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as filthy as

Focuses specifically on the level of dirt and uncleanliness.

as wretched as

Emphasizes the miserable or unfortunate condition.

as degraded as

Highlights the decline in quality or moral standing.

as miserable as

Focuses on the feeling of unhappiness and suffering associated with the place or situation.

as poor as

Emphasizes the lack of resources and wealth, contributing to the squalor.

as neglected as

Highlights a lack of care and maintenance, implying decay.

as dilapidated as

Focuses on the state of disrepair and ruin.

as run-down as

Describes the deteriorated condition due to lack of upkeep.

as sordid as

Highlights the immoral and dishonorable aspects of the situation.

as unkempt as

Describes the lack of grooming and order, suggesting a neglected appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "as squalid as" to compare the condition of something to a state of extreme filth or degradation. For example, "The refugee camp was as squalid as the worst slums in the city."

What are some alternatives to "as squalid as"?

Alternatives include "as filthy as", "as wretched as", or "as degraded as", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "as squalid as" in formal writing?

It is generally appropriate to use "as squalid as" in formal writing when describing conditions that genuinely warrant such a strong negative description. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a milder alternative might be more suitable.

What makes "as squalid as" different from "as poor as"?

"As poor as" refers specifically to a lack of wealth or resources. "As squalid as" implies not only poverty but also a state of extreme dirt, neglect, and often moral degradation. It's a more intense and evocative description.