as universal as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as universal as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the extent or applicability of something to a universally accepted standard or concept. Example: "The principles of justice should be as universal as the right to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Curiosity and loneliness may be as universal as gravity and light.

The New York Times

It shouldn't be hard to recognize something as universal as grief.

The Guardian - Opinion

English is probably as universal as it is likely to get.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As universal as soccer fever is, it affects different nations in different ways.

The New York Times

Knowing one's left hand from one's right is not as universal as the genetic code.

The New York Times - Science

The true measure is in fundamentals that are as universal as human rights.

The New York Times

The idea was to avoid stylistic flourishes so that emojis would be as universal as possible.

Independent

"Politics are crossing into everything, even something as universal as sports.

The New York Times - Sports

Rubens's recurrent impact on artists was almost as universal as the talents of the man himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As universal as lust itself, it's accessible to all, from millennial-generation Facebookers to pharmacologically enhanced baby boomers.

The Guardian - Tech

It was a place, he wrote, where singing "was as common and almost as universal as speaking".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as universal as", ensure that the comparison is logically sound and reflects a truly widespread or common phenomenon. Overstating universality can weaken your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "as universal as" to describe something that is only prevalent within a specific group or region. Overgeneralization can lead to inaccuracies and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as universal as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to emphasize the breadth or scope of a particular concept or phenomenon by drawing a comparison to something that is widely recognized or experienced. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as universal as" is a common and grammatically correct construction used to emphasize the widespread nature or applicability of a concept by comparing it to something broadly recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to ensure the comparison is logically sound and to avoid overstating universality. Alternatives like "as widespread as" or "as common as" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as widespread as

Emphasizes the extensive distribution or occurrence of something.

as common as

Highlights the frequency or ordinariness of something.

as pervasive as

Suggests a deep and thorough penetration or influence.

as global as

Indicates worldwide scope or relevance.

as international as

Highlights involvement or relevance across multiple nations.

as all-encompassing as

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature or reach of something.

as ubiquitous as

Indicates that something is present everywhere.

as generalized as

Implies a broad, non-specific application.

as overarching as

Suggests a dominant or all-embracing quality.

as overarching as

Suggests a dominant or all-embracing quality.

FAQs

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

Use "as universal as" to compare something to a concept or phenomenon that is widely recognized or experienced. For example, "The need for human connection is "as universal as" the need for food and shelter".

What are some alternatives to "as universal as"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "as widespread as", "as common as", or "as pervasive as".

Is it correct to say something is "as universal as" death and taxes?

While the saying "death and taxes" is a common idiom, using it directly after "as universal as" might sound cliché. Consider a more specific and impactful comparison relevant to your context.

What's the difference between "as universal as" and "global"?

"Global" refers specifically to worldwide scope or relevance, whereas "as universal as" implies something is inherent or common to all instances of a thing, not necessarily limited to geography. For example, love is "as universal as" humanity itself.