as unfathomable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unfathomable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the incomprehensibility of one thing to another, often in a poetic or dramatic context. Example: "The depths of the ocean are as unfathomable as the mysteries of the human mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"He's the English armchair psychologist's favorite subject, as unfathomable as any father".

The New York Times

As unfathomable as Kuerten's comeback was, there were odds defied in smaller pockets of the grounds.

The New York Times - Sports

They are motivated by forces that are as unfathomable as they are impractical.

The New York Times

But that is a mystery as unfathomable as his efforts to discern a divine meaning in the devastation he saw everywhere in the waning days of 1862.

The New York Times

The game had changed significantly since the politically charged tours of the 1960s and 1970s, but the depth of the rivalry remained as unfathomable as ever.

Independent

Once again, a quick glance at the horizontal word it intersects also offers no help as LEMONA REMIX is just as unfathomable as LEMONO REMIX.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He's been praised as "unfathomable at best" and "bafflingly circumlocutory at worst" by ArtFinger.

The New Yorker

My grandfathers were sailors, their experiences as unfathomable to me as the oceans.

The Guardian

She would like to know how exactly Bill passed his days, but this mystery was as unfathomable to her as the lives of the house's previous inhabitants.

The New Yorker

For reasons as unfathomable today as they were at the time, something about Frank's absurd dance and the headbanging excess of Baauer's music triggered something best described as mass hysteria.

The Guardian - Music

He was interrupted by applause, then added, "And heroizing such individuals I find to be unfathomable as far as what it is that this country needs to be able to do, again in order to keep itself safe".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as unfathomable as" to effectively compare two seemingly incomparable concepts, emphasizing the difficulty in understanding both.

Common error

Avoid using "as unfathomable as" in simple situations where a more direct term like "unclear" or "complex" would suffice. This phrase is best reserved for expressing profound incomprehensibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unfathomable as" functions as a comparative construction, typically linking two subjects that share a quality of being impossible or very difficult to fully understand. Ludwig AI states that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, often in poetic or dramatic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Books

15%

Sports

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as unfathomable as" serves as a powerful tool for comparing two incomprehensible concepts, emphasizing the depth of mystery and complexity involved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, particularly in dramatic or poetic contexts. With its usage more frequent in News & Media, Books, and Sports, the phrase finds its place in conveying profound difficulty in understanding or explaining something. While various alternatives such as "as mysterious as" or "as incomprehensible as" exist, "as unfathomable as" retains its unique strength in highlighting the sheer impossibility of fully grasping a concept. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where true incomprehensibility needs to be conveyed, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as mysterious as

Replaces "unfathomable" with "mysterious", focusing on the enigmatic nature of the subject.

as incomprehensible as

Substitutes "unfathomable" with "incomprehensible", highlighting the lack of understanding.

as inscrutable as

Replaces "unfathomable" with "inscrutable", suggesting an inability to be interpreted or understood.

as enigmatic as

Similar to "mysterious", but emphasizes the puzzling and perplexing nature.

as impenetrable as

Focuses on the impossibility of penetrating or understanding the subject.

beyond comprehension

Indicates that something is outside the limits of understanding.

defies understanding

Highlights the subject's resistance to being understood.

remains a mystery

Shifts the focus to the unresolved and unexplained nature of the subject.

as deep as

Implies a depth of complexity that is difficult to explore or understand.

difficult to grasp

Emphasizes the struggle in attempting to understand something.

FAQs

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

You can use "as unfathomable as" to compare two things that are difficult or impossible to understand. For example, "His reasons were "as unfathomable as" the mysteries of the universe".

What are some alternatives to "as unfathomable as"?

Alternatives include "as mysterious as", "as incomprehensible as", or "as enigmatic as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "as unfathomable as" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming to convey a sense of deep mystery or incomprehensibility. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "as unfathomable as" and "difficult to understand"?

"Difficult to understand" indicates a challenge in comprehension, while ""as unfathomable as"" suggests something is so mysterious or complex that it may be fundamentally impossible to fully grasp.