as ugly as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as ugly as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare someone's appearance or something's aesthetic negatively to another object or concept. Example: "The old building was as ugly as a pile of rubble, with its crumbling walls and broken windows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You are as ugly as your sister".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That was as ugly as can be".

The New York Times - Sports

It was as ugly as anything in Selma.

The New York Times

Her home was as ugly as it was dark.

The New York Times

Their clothes are as ugly as their hate".

The Guardian

Fanatical atheism can be as ugly as religious fanaticism.

The Guardian

He once said of Muslims that "their religion is as ugly as they are".

The New York Times

— MIKE HUGUENIN The Syracuse-Montana game almost is as ugly as the V.C.U.-Akron contest.

The New York Times

She suggested that "Big Brother" was simply mirroring real life, as ugly as it sometimes is.

The New York Times

But otherwise the campaign for Cambodia's general election on July 28th is as ugly as ever.

The Economist

But, when Fiona turned out to really be as ugly as Shrek, he found a wife.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as ugly as" to create a vivid and memorable comparison. It is particularly effective when contrasting appearances or situations to emphasize their negative qualities. For example, 'The political campaign was as ugly as a mudslinging contest, filled with personal attacks and distortions.'

Common error

While effective for emphasis, "as ugly as" can be too informal or emotionally charged for professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "unattractive" or "problematic" to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as ugly as" functions primarily as a simile, comparing something to ugliness in order to emphasize its negative aesthetic or unpleasant characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as ugly as" is a common and grammatically correct simile used to express strong dislike or negativity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it is primarily used in news and media contexts, its informality may not suit formal writing. For alternatives, consider using ""as unattractive as"" or ""as hideous as"" to convey similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity. Remember to consider the tone and audience when using this phrase to ensure its appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unattractive as

Replaces "ugly" with a more general term for lacking aesthetic appeal.

as hideous as

Emphasizes extreme repulsiveness, intensifying the negative aspect.

as unattractive as

Emphasizes a lack of appeal or charm, applicable to various contexts.

as unpleasant as

Shifts the focus from physical appearance to a more general sense of disagreeableness.

as repulsive as

Highlights the quality of causing disgust or aversion.

as awful as

Indicates something is extremely bad or disagreeable, broadening the scope beyond appearance.

as grotesque as

Stresses a distorted or unnatural appearance.

as unsightly as

Focuses specifically on the displeasing visual aspect of something.

as deformed as

Emphasizes a severe distortion in shape or form, often with negative connotations.

as plain as

Indicates a lack of beauty or attractiveness without necessarily being repulsive.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "as ugly as"?

You can use alternatives like "as unattractive as", "as hideous as", or "as unpleasant as" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "as ugly as" may be too informal or subjective for formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "unfavorable" or "problematic".

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

Use "as ugly as" to compare something's appearance or a situation's nature to another concept, emphasizing its negative or unpleasant qualities. For example, "The negotiation process was as ugly as a bitter divorce."

What's the difference between "as ugly as" and "as unattractive as"?

"As ugly as" carries a stronger negative connotation, implying repulsiveness, while "as unattractive as" is a milder term suggesting a lack of appeal without necessarily being repulsive.