as thin as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as thin as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is very thin or slender. Example: "After months of dieting, she became as thin as a rail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vick was as thin as a post.

The New York Times - Sports

Colgan is 36, 6' tall & as thin as a stick.

The New Yorker

Zombie expressions, Buddy, as thin as a spare dime.

The New Yorker

Each layer of powder is as thin as a human hair.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But smaller scopes, which can be as thin as a human hair, provide poor pictures.

MIT Technology Review

You can use cells as thin as a hundred micrometers, or even thinner.

MIT Technology Review

A backhanded ball cut as thin as a slice-of-life joke.

The Washington Post

In stunning contrast, Ms. Howe is 6 feet tall, as thin as a birch tree.

The New York Times

There is a plot as thin as a Japanese wall made of Kleenex and spit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was six feet tall and as thin as a birch branch.

The New Yorker

As thin as a matchbook and resembling a remote control, it is available only in Japan.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as thin as a", ensure the comparison object is universally understood to represent thinness, like "paper", "needle", or "rail".

Common error

Avoid comparisons that are not commonly associated with thinness. For example, while technically correct, "as thin as a tree trunk" doesn't convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as thin as a" functions primarily as a comparative simile, used to describe the degree of thinness by referencing a commonly known thin object. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as thin as a" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize extreme thinness through comparison. Ludwig AI analysis reveals it is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts. When using this phrase, select comparison objects universally understood to represent thinness for maximum impact. While synonyms like ""as slim as"" or ""as slender as"" exist, the vivid imagery created by "as thin as a" often makes it the preferred choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as slim as

Replaces "thin" with the synonym "slim", keeping the comparative structure.

as slender as

Uses "slender" as an alternative adjective for "thin", implying a graceful thinness.

as lean as

Substitutes "thin" with "lean", suggesting a healthy or athletic thinness.

as narrow as

Focuses on the dimension of width rather than overall thinness.

paper-thin

This is a compound adjective which succinctly implies the extreme thinness similar to paper.

razor-thin

Implies a sharpness associated with extreme thinness.

of slight build

Describes a person's physique as being thin or delicate.

wasting away

Describes the process of becoming thin due to illness or malnutrition.

skeletal

Implies extreme thinness, often associated with illness or starvation.

underweight

A more clinical term for being below a healthy weight.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as thin as a" is used to describe something that has a very small width or diameter compared to its length. For example, "The new laptop is "as thin as a" credit card."

What are some alternatives to "as thin as a"?

Some alternatives include "as slim as", "as slender as", or using adjectives like 'wafer-thin' or 'paper-thin'.

Which is more appropriate, "as thin as a" or "very thin"?

"As thin as a" is a simile that provides a vivid comparison, while "very thin" is a simple description. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and impact. Using "as thin as a" provides the reader a more impactful image.

When should I use "as thin as a" instead of just saying something is "thin"?

Use "as thin as a" to emphasize the degree of thinness by comparing it to something familiar that is known for being thin. It adds descriptive power and makes the image more relatable. It provides more emphasis than simply saying "thin".