as thin as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as thin as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the thinness of an object or concept, often in a comparative context. Example: "The book is quite engaging, as thin as it is, and can be read in a single sitting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"With the free-agent market being as thin as it is, I think you'll see a lot of teams addressing their needs by trades," said J. P. Ricciardi, the general manager of the Blue Jays.

The New York Times

His case that Khan poses a threat to the green belt may be as thin as it is contrived, but it forms part of a larger, subtler and possibly potent message to Tory-leaning voters in Outer London: I will defend you against the encroachments of Khan and all that I want you to believe he represents.

The Guardian

The rhyming-couplet school of songwriting, though, gets irritating fairly quickly, especially when the humor is as thin as it is in songs like "Sensitive New Age Guys" ("whose favorite place to hang out is the mall; whose favorite character in 'Cast Away' was Wilson the volleyball").

The New York Times

As thin as it is, your skin could provide powerful protection against disease thanks to a new vaccine technique, dermatology researchers report.

Science Magazine

However, iFixit isn't all that impressed with the 7,000mAh battery used to keep the Note's profile as thin as it is.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As thin as it was, Louie was accepted.

The New York Times

Rarely, though, has the margin been as thin as it was Sunday at Emirates Stadium, the splendid, 60,000-capacity building that Wenger's parsimony has helped finance.

The New York Times - Sports

She was as "thin as it's possible to be in the western world without being ill", her diet was rigid and supplemented with vitamin pills, her exercise unremitting and her facelifts repeated.

The Guardian

In other words, in just one year fuel prices have doubled, which, combined with other dismal economic factors here in the U.S., stretches the family budget as thin as it's ever been in recent years.

TechCrunch

The police force is stretched as thin as it's ever going to get," he said.

Huffington Post

Last month Chief Constable Sara Thornton said the loss of 800 jobs was a "worst case scenario" and said the "blue line is as thin as it should be in Thames Valley".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as thin as it is" to create a contrast. Highlight how something performs or exists despite its thinness. For example: "As thin as it is, this fabric is incredibly strong."

Common error

Avoid using "as thin as it is" when simply describing something's dimensions. The phrase works best when implying a surprising quality or capability despite the thinness, not just stating a fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as thin as it is" functions as an adverbial phrase of concession, modifying a clause by highlighting a contrast. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes the unexpected nature of something given its thinness. It can be seen from the Ludwig's examples as well.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as thin as it is" functions as an adverbial phrase of concession, emphasizing a surprising or unexpected quality despite something's thinness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as other contexts such as science and wiki sources. To maximize its impact, use it to create a direct contrast, and avoid using it as a simple descriptor. Instead, highlight the surprising capability or attribute that exists despite the thinness. Related phrases include "despite its thinness" and "thin though it may be", offering similar ways to express this contrast. Remember this phrase is not incorrect, but is correct!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite its paper-thin quality

Emphasizes the extreme thinness by comparing it to paper.

thin though it may be

Inverts the structure for emphasis on the thinness.

despite its slenderness

Focuses on the slenderness but introduces a contrasting element.

considering its slightness

Highlights the slightness and implies a surprising aspect.

considering its minimal thickness

More formal, highlighting the minimal thickness.

even though it's so fine

Emphasizes the fineness and adds a concessive tone.

in spite of its reduced width

Highlights the reduced width and sets up a contrast.

for all its narrowness

Focuses on the narrowness of something.

surprisingly delicate

Highlights the delicacy and implies unexpectedness.

unaccountably narrow

Emphasizes the narrowness and suggests it's difficult to explain.

FAQs

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

Use "as thin as it is" to emphasize a surprising quality about something that is physically thin. For example, "As thin as it is, this phone's battery lasts all day."

What does "as thin as it is" mean?

The phrase "as thin as it is" means despite something being very thin, it still possesses a certain quality or characteristic that is surprising or noteworthy.

What are some alternatives to "as thin as it is"?

You can use alternatives like "despite its thinness", "thin though it may be", or "considering its slightness" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as thin as it is"?

Yes, "as thin as it is" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to emphasize a contrast between something's thinness and another quality.