as unbearable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unbearable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity of one unpleasant experience to another, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Example: "The heat in the room was as unbearable as the noise from the construction outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For me, it is as unbearable as any horror film.

The Guardian - Film

Nothing but happiness as unbearable as the dreadfrom which it comes.

The New Yorker

The juxtapositions were as unbearable as a life together with her partner was impossible.

The Guardian - Arts

As unbearable as she was, this woman may have been the most educated consumer in town.

The New York Times

Thumbscrews and floggings were nearly as unbearable as the smoldering splinters that pirates wedged beneath captives' fingernails.

The New York Times - Books

The Nets caught a glimpse of life without Johnson and, after Tuesday's win, learned it just might not be as unbearable as initially feared.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Crawleys' prejudices and snobberies exposed in the raw would be as unbearable to the modern ear as if they were speaking in authentic 1920s accents.

The Guardian - Opinion

The front cover of his 1985 Collected Poems made much of this, quoting reviews that described his writing as "unbearable, bullying, intransigent, intolerant, brilliant", as "inaccessibly obscure and strange and mannered", and from an "immense, baffling talent".

The Guardian - Books

I do not think deciding to end your life should be easy, but it should not cause so much pain and difficulty to you or those who love you, illness is painful and degrading enough, we don't need finding a solution to be as unbearable and undignified as this.

Independent

This weekend, almost a third of delegates to the NPC refused to rubber-stamp a fresh batch of environmental committee appointments, suggesting that the issue has become as unbearable among some government officials as it has among ordinary people.

The Guardian

Around two-thirds of those who rated their diet as poor described their symptoms as unbearable or very uncomfortable.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as unbearable as", ensure that the comparison is clear and logical. The two elements being compared should be of the same nature or category to make the comparison meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "as unbearable as" in situations where the comparison is vague or illogical. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared and why it shares a similar level of unbearableness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unbearable as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to emphasize the degree to which something is intolerable by comparing it to something else that is also considered unbearable. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as unbearable as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for comparing levels of intolerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use across various contexts, although it’s most commonly found in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure the comparison is clear and logical. Alternatives like "just as intolerable as" or "equally excruciating as" can provide subtle variations in emphasis, but the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to avoid vague comparisons to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as intolerable as

Emphasizes the unacceptability or difficulty to endure something.

equally excruciating as

Highlights the intensely painful or distressing nature of something.

as distressing as

Focuses on the causing of anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

as agonizing as

Implies severe mental or physical suffering.

as oppressive as

Suggests a heavy or burdensome quality.

as unbearable to

Similar structure, changing the emphasis to the subject experiencing the feeling.

no more bearable than

Expresses a similar level of intolerability, framed negatively.

as difficult to endure as

Specifically addresses the challenge of enduring something.

as insufferable as

Indicates extreme unpleasantness and difficulty to bear.

as unacceptable as

Highlights that something doesn't deserve to be accepted because it is so bad.

FAQs

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

You can use "as unbearable as" to compare two unpleasant things, for example: "The guilt was "as unbearable as" the physical pain."

What phrases can I use instead of "as unbearable as"?

Alternatives include "just as intolerable as", "equally excruciating as", or "as distressing as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as unbearable as"?

Yes, "as unbearable as" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure for comparative phrases in English, using "as...as" to indicate similarity in intensity.

What's the difference between "as unbearable as" and "unbearable"?

"Unbearable" describes something that cannot be tolerated, while "as unbearable as" compares the intolerability of one thing to another. For instance, "The heat was unbearable" versus "The heat was "as unbearable as" being trapped in an oven."