as useless as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as useless as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to another thing that is perceived to have no value or purpose. Example: "The new feature in the app is as useless as a screen door on a submarine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would have been about as useless as crying.

The New Yorker

The debate is as useless as it was in 1977.

The New York Times

(Tucker also says, of a colleague, "He's as useless as a marzipan dildo").

The New Yorker

He told a friend that he felt as useless as "the fifth wheel to a coach".

The New York Times

However, it turns out silica is not as useless as it might look.

Independent

"Parallax" finds everything except poetry useless for contacting the dead, as useless as a walkie-talkie.

The New Yorker

One Tehran daily, Jomhuri Islami, dismissed America's diplomacy as being as "useless as a chocolate teapot".

The Economist

But their first album isn't as useless as one would hope.

The Guardian - Music

Character did not play a part in it.... Good actions were as useless as bad ones".

The New York Times - Books

Kauders tells "Dr. Joseph Goebbels" that writing is as useless as signing molecules of gas.

The New York Times - Books

He would have found Keillor's pieties as useless as the pronouncements of right-wing moralists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as useless as", ensure that the comparison is relatable and vividly illustrates the degree of uselessness you intend to convey. The stronger the image, the more impactful the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using overly common comparisons like "as useless as a chocolate teapot" too frequently. While recognizable, they can make your writing seem unoriginal. Instead, tailor the comparison to your specific context for a fresher, more engaging effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as useless as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its lack of utility or value to something else that is considered equally or completely without use. Ludwig's examples showcase this across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as useless as" is a common comparative phrase used to emphasize the lack of utility or value of something by drawing a parallel to something else considered equally worthless. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid clichés and tailor the comparison to the specific context to maximize impact. Alternatives like ""as pointless as"" or ""as ineffective as"" can also be considered for variety. The phrase is versatile and effective, providing a vivid way to express inutility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as pointless as

Focuses on the lack of purpose or meaning.

as ineffective as

Highlights the failure to produce a desired result.

as worthless as

Emphasizes the lack of value or merit.

as futile as

Stresses the impossibility of achieving a result.

as unproductive as

Highlights the inability to generate results or output.

as unavailing as

Indicates a lack of success or benefit.

as ineffectual as

Similar to ineffective, but with a stronger sense of powerlessness.

as hopeless as

Emphasizes the lack of any possibility of a positive outcome.

of no use, like

A more verbose way to express lack of utility.

might as well not exist

Highlights the redundancy or irrelevance of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as useless as" is used to compare something to another thing that is considered to have no value or purpose. For example, you could say "Trying to argue with him is "as useless as" shouting at a brick wall".

What can I say instead of "as useless as"?

You can use alternatives like "as pointless as", "as ineffective as", or "as worthless as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is useless" instead of "as useless as"?

Yes, "is useless" is a grammatically correct and more direct way to express that something has no value or purpose. However, ""as useless as"" provides a comparison that can add emphasis or humor.

What makes "as ineffective as" different from "as useless as"?

"As ineffective as" emphasizes the failure to produce a desired result, while ""as useless as"" focuses on the lack of inherent value or purpose, regardless of whether a result was attempted.