as vacuous as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as vacuous as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to another thing that is empty or lacking in content or meaning. Example: "His arguments were as vacuous as a politician's promises during an election campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Suddenly these handsome arrangements of colored lights don't seem as vacuous as they first may have appeared.

The New York Times

Nor is the pursuit of celebrity necessarily as vacuous as our conversations about it, such as they are, tend to assume.

The Guardian - Film

But I am convinced its content is as vacuous as the "dodgy dossier", the cooked-up intelligence that took us into Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

Splash, on West 17th Street, is as vacuous as a straight bar, employing the same tricks of light, the same chromium fixtures.

The New York Times

If we look to another epitome of that era, the movie "Cocktail," we see that people's drinking habits were every bit as vacuous as their life styles.

The New Yorker

Kim is continuing to advance his nuclear and missile programs while demanding fresh concessions from Washington — and Trump appears likely to cave in by agreeing to another summit that is likely to be as vacuous as the last one.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Chinese polity appears neither as vacuous nor as vulnerable as it is sometimes assumed to be.

Harvard University

Students should know that these are not read as charming, but as vacuous platitudes that do nothing to help us understand what you want to study and why we should care.

Cornell University

Yet to widespread surprise, including his family's, Mr Chandler soon set about turning the Times into a serious, intelligent and broadly fair-minded paper better suited to the increasingly varied people now pouring into southern California, not all of whom were as vacuous and unlettered as their reputation supposed.

The Economist

It might be dismissed as vacuous.

The Guardian

Something is going on here, which can't be dismissed as vacuous sentimentality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as vacuous as", ensure that the comparison is clear and emphasizes the lack of substance or meaning effectively. Choose the item you are comparing to wisely to strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as vacuous as" when you actually mean something is simply incorrect or misguided. Vacuous implies emptiness and lack of intellectual substance, not necessarily falsehood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as vacuous as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a noun by comparing its emptiness or lack of substance to another entity, often to emphasize the extreme degree of emptiness. Ludwig provides examples showing this usage in diverse contexts, from political rhetoric to artistic expressions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as vacuous as" is a comparative phrase used to describe something lacking substance or meaning, often in a critical context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its presence in various reputable sources, including news media and academic publications. While its frequency is uncommon, its use is generally appropriate in neutral to formal settings when you want to emphasize the emptiness of an idea or argument. Be mindful of the nuance to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as empty as

This alternative emphasizes the lack of content or substance.

as hollow as

This alternative suggests a lack of sincerity or depth.

as meaningless as

This alternative highlights the lack of purpose or significance.

as inane as

This alternative focuses on the silliness or foolishness of something.

as superficial as

This alternative emphasizes the lack of depth or thoroughness.

as trivial as

This alternative suggests a lack of importance or consequence.

as frivolous as

This alternative focuses on the lack of seriousness or purpose.

as insipid as

This alternative highlights the lack of flavor or interest.

as shallow as

This alternative emphasizes the lack of intellectual or emotional depth.

as vapid as

This alternative suggests a lack of liveliness or substance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as vacuous as" in a sentence?

Use "as vacuous as" to compare something lacking substance or meaning to another thing known for its emptiness. For example, "His promises were "as vacuous as" a politician's empty rhetoric."

What are some alternatives to saying "as vacuous as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as empty as", "as hollow as", or "as meaningless as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "as vacuous as" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to critique the lack of substance in an argument or idea. Ensure the tone remains objective and not overly harsh.

What's the difference between "as vacuous as" and "as superficial as"?

"As vacuous as" implies a complete lack of content or meaning, while "as superficial as" suggests a lack of depth. Something "as superficial as" might have some surface-level appeal, but it lacks genuine substance; something "as vacuous as" is just completely empty.