as thin as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as thin as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the thinness of one object or person to another. Example: "The piece of paper was as thin as a whisper, barely able to hold its own weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vick was as thin as a post.

The New York Times - Sports

They are both as thin as whippets.

The Guardian - Travel

His legs were as thin as saplings.

The New York Times

Spread manure as thin as possible to promote dry down.

Cornell University

They found the 60 survivors as thin as skeletons.

The New York Times - Science

As thin as it was, Louie was accepted.

The New York Times

He had always liked me as thin as possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"His arms were as thin as sugar cane.

The Guardian

Wires as thin as toothpicks, wires as thick as thumbs.

The New York Times

This one is about as thin as they come.

The Guardian

My sister is as thin as she ever was.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as thin as" in descriptive writing, ensure the comparison enhances the imagery and provides a clear understanding of the subject's slenderness.

Common error

Avoid using "as thin as" with comparisons that lack clarity or are culturally insensitive. For instance, comparing a person's weight to an unrealistic ideal can be harmful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as thin as" functions primarily as a simile, a figure of speech that directly compares two different things using "as" or "like". It's used to describe the degree of thinness of something by relating it to another object known for its thinness, such as "paper" or "a needle". Ludwig shows this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as thin as" is a versatile simile used to describe the degree of thinness by comparing it to a familiar object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and potential sensitivities when describing people. Using clear and relatable comparisons will maximize the effectiveness of this descriptive phrase. Alternatives such as "as slender as" or "wafer-thin" can provide subtle shifts in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as wafer-thin

Highlights extreme thinness, like a wafer.

as slender as

Emphasizes elegance and grace in slenderness.

as lightweight as

Focuses on the lack of weight rather than physical thinness.

as narrow as

Highlights the small width of something.

as fine as

Suggests a delicate and refined thinness.

as lean as

Implies a healthy and athletic thinness.

as flimsy as

Conveys a sense of fragility and lack of substance.

as delicate as

Implies a fragility and slightness in form.

as threadlike

Focuses on the quality of being long and extremely thin.

as skeletal as

Emphasizes an extreme and unhealthy thinness.

FAQs

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

You can use "as thin as" to compare the slenderness of something to a well-known object. For example, "The walls of the tent were "as thin as paper"".

What are some alternatives to "as thin as"?

Alternatives include "as slender as", "as lean as", or "wafer-thin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as thin as" when describing a person?

While grammatically correct, using "as thin as" to describe a person's body can be sensitive. Consider the context and choose your words carefully to avoid causing offense or promoting unrealistic body image.

What objects are commonly used in comparisons with "as thin as"?

Common comparisons include objects like "as thin as paper", "as thin as a rail", "as thin as a wafer", or "as thin as a dime". The best choice depends on the specific context and the image you want to evoke.