as stubborn as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as stubborn as the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's stubbornness to that of a well-known entity or animal, often implying a strong or unyielding nature. Example: "She is as stubborn as the mule, refusing to change her mind no matter the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Each was as stubborn as the other.

Independent

"It's not as stubborn as the fat under the skin," she said.

The Washington Post

But the Northeast has its own lianas, and they are as stubborn as the stones in the soil.

The New York Times

"The only reason small farms survive at all is because many hill farmers are as stubborn as the mule-faced sheep they breed," she says.

The Guardian

Gutmann endorses a natural law position, seeing aggression, imperialism and violence as hard-wired male attributes -- basic, primal, dictated by chemistry and hormones, as stubborn as the tides".

The New York Times - Books

But that's all immaterial to the so-called Material Girl, who moved on years ago from shock pop and this Beverly Hills estate, a gorgeous but surprisingly stubborn sell about as stubborn as the iconic singer herself.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud, right, a France international, describes himself as stubborn, as well as ambitious and intelligent.

The Guardian - Sport

June 14 , 1953 "Damnit — I can be just as stubborn as this thing".

The New York Times - Books

In the meantime, Finley was proving to be as stubborn as Charlie O, the mule that was his team's mascot — he benched Blue, Rudi and Fingers, claiming that they belonged to other teams, and he ignored edicts from the American League president, Lee MacPhail, and Kuhn to play them.

The New York Times - Sports

The sister is as stubborn as she is big-hearted, walking the corridors of the convent and the streets of her neighborhood offering help when she can and a kind word.

Huffington Post

Only someone as stubborn as Nas would have chosen the tremulous, distant-sounding piano loops of "Queens Get the Money" to open his album.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as stubborn as the", consider the specific entity you are comparing the stubbornness to. Choose an entity that is widely recognized as stubborn to enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as stubborn as the" with overused comparisons like "mule" or "ox" repeatedly. While effective, these can become clichés. Opt for fresh, more specific comparisons that better suit the context and make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as stubborn as the" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison and emphasize the degree of someone or something's stubbornness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it comparing people to animals or even inanimate objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as stubborn as the" is a simile used to effectively emphasize the unyielding nature of a subject by comparing it to something known for its inflexibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is deemed grammatically correct and has shown in several examples to be widely used in News & Media. Keep in mind, when writing with "as stubborn as the", choose the subject of comparison wisely. Ensure that your point hits home and your audience is completely aware of what you are trying to say. Steer clear from using worn-out comparisons such as comparing someone as stubborn as a mule repeatedly. With its neutral register, this phrase is suitable for use in numerous writing contexts, though it's essential to ensure the comparison aligns with the tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as obstinate as the

Replaces "stubborn" with "obstinate", offering a more formal synonym.

as inflexible as the

Substitutes "stubborn" with "inflexible", highlighting a lack of adaptability.

as persistent as the

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the stubbornness.

as unyielding as the

Focuses on the resistance to being moved or persuaded.

as tenacious as the

Highlights the quality of holding firmly to a position or goal.

as resolute as the

Indicates a firm and unwavering determination.

as adamant as the

Suggests an unshakeable conviction or belief.

as headstrong as the

Emphasizes a willful and determined nature.

as determined as the

Highlights a strong decision to do something.

as firm as the

Indicates a strong position or unwillingness to change.

FAQs

How can I use "as stubborn as the" in a sentence?

You can use "as stubborn as the" to describe someone or something that is extremely resistant to change or persuasion. For example, "He's "as stubborn as the" mule, refusing to listen to any advice."

What are some alternatives to saying "as stubborn as the"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as obstinate as the", "as inflexible as the", or "as unyielding as the", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as stubborn as the"?

Yes, "as stubborn as the" is grammatically correct. It follows the structure of a simile, which uses "as" to compare two things that share a common quality.

What kind of comparison works well with "as stubborn as the"?

Effective comparisons for "as stubborn as the" include entities widely known for their stubbornness, such as mules, rocks, or even historical figures renowned for their unwavering beliefs. The key is to choose a comparison that resonates with your audience and reinforces the intended meaning.