as unsettling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unsettling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes discomfort or anxiety, often in a comparative context. Example: "The sudden change in atmosphere was as unsettling as the eerie silence that followed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To me, that was almost as unsettling as the earthquake.

The New Yorker

It is as unsettling as it is sad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's a Halloween character, all costume, and about as unsettling as a plastic jack-o'-lantern.

The New York Times - Books

Ferrari trying to do empathy was almost as unsettling as listening to Clegg on the couch.

The Guardian

Although all unexpected visitors can be menacing, few are as unsettling as Goldilocks.

The Guardian

For the Kremlin, the geographic diversity of Sunday's protests was just as unsettling as their demographics.

The New Yorker

It includes strong language, violence and sexuality that isn't nearly as unsettling as one might hope.

The New York Times

Our desire for a hero is as unsettling as it is instructive.

The New York Times

"Clean... too clean," can be just as unsettling as "Quiet... too quiet".

The New York Times

Yet, as unsettling as these changes may be, Ms. Altman sees no viable solution.

The New York Times

This aspect of the show I find almost as unsettling as the waterworks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as unsettling", ensure that the comparison is clear and the reason for the unsettling feeling is evident to the reader. For example, "The sudden change in policy was as unsettling as the unexpected market crash."

Common error

Avoid using "as unsettling" without a clear point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "The situation was as unsettling", provide context: "The situation was as unsettling as a silent room after a loud party."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unsettling" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by comparing its unsettling nature to something else. It indicates the degree to which something causes unease or disturbance, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as unsettling" is a commonly used comparative phrase, deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig, that serves to express a sense of unease or disturbance. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, and its usage extends to scientific and formal communications. While direct synonyms such as "as disturbing" exist, nuances can be achieved by using "as alarming" or "as worrisome", depending on the specific emotional tone intended. A key writing practice is to ensure a clear point of comparison when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally disturbing

Focuses more on the disturbing aspect, suggesting something that disrupts peace of mind.

just as alarming

Highlights the potential danger or cause for alarm associated with the situation.

as worrisome

Emphasizes the element of worry or concern that the situation evokes.

equally disquieting

Stresses the disturbance to one's peace and tranquility.

just as disconcerting

Indicates something that throws one off balance or causes confusion.

equally perturbing

Focuses on the anxiety and mental agitation caused by the situation.

as disturbing

It's a more direct synonym, simply removing 'un' from the original query.

just as unnerving

Emphasizes the loss of composure and confidence.

equally troubling

Highlights the problematic or concerning nature of the situation.

as concerning

A more direct alternative, highlighting the concerning aspect of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "as unsettling" to compare something to another unsettling thing or situation, highlighting a shared feeling of unease. For instance, "The news was "as unsettling" as a horror movie scene".

What are some alternatives to saying "as unsettling"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "equally disturbing", "just as alarming", or "as worrisome" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, the phrase "as unsettling as" is grammatically sound and follows the standard structure for comparative phrases in English.

What's the difference between "as unsettling" and "as concerning"?

"As unsettling" emphasizes a feeling of unease and disturbance, while "as concerning" highlights worry and importance. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on emotional impact or potential problems.