as vulnerable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as vulnerable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the vulnerability of one thing to another, often in a metaphorical or descriptive context. Example: "The child felt as vulnerable as a lone bird in a storm, exposed and unprotected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not necessarily as vulnerable as Japan was".

The New York Times

"He was as vulnerable as a rabbit in a laboratory".

The New York Times - Books

Today the walls are as vulnerable as masons are scarce.

The New York Times

We have never been as vulnerable as we are now".

The New York Times

But now he looked as vulnerable as a foundling.

The Guardian - Sport

The Patriots' defense is just as vulnerable as they say".

The New York Times

Virtue, in turn, has made Koreans as vulnerable as children.

The Economist

"I'm afraid of abandonment," she explains, sounding as vulnerable as she had earlier sounded emphatic.

The New York Times - Style

If the mission fails, the leader is just as vulnerable as his mates, perhaps more so.

The New York Times - Arts

What intercontinental ballistic missiles have done is to make Boise as vulnerable as Berlin.

The New York Times

Two years later, New Yorkers feel the city is as vulnerable as ever.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as vulnerable as" to highlight the precarious state of a subject, emphasizing the need for protection or intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "as vulnerable as" in contexts where strength or resilience is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as vulnerable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it is used to equate the degree of vulnerability between two subjects. The phrase sets up a direct comparison, highlighting shared susceptibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as vulnerable as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that serves to highlight the susceptibility of a subject by comparing it to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to draw a parallel in terms of weakness or exposure. It is most commonly found in news and media, and carries a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure comparisons are clear and relatable. While it's a valid and useful phrase to compare vulnerability, avoiding overuse will help maintain the impact of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as unprotected as

Focuses on the lack of safeguarding or defense, differing slightly in emphasis from inherent vulnerability.

as exposed as

Highlights the state of being open and susceptible to external elements or threats.

as defenseless as

Emphasizes the inability to resist or protect oneself, indicating a lack of defense mechanisms.

as susceptible as

Highlights the tendency to be affected by something, such as a disease or influence.

as prone as

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency towards experiencing something negative.

as frail as

Stresses physical or emotional weakness, suggesting a susceptibility to harm.

as helpless as

Emphasizes the inability to help oneself or take effective action, suggesting a state of powerlessness.

as at risk as

Highlights the potential for encountering danger or negative consequences, focusing on the probability of harm.

as endangered as

Specifically denotes the risk of extinction or complete disappearance, often used in environmental or biological contexts.

as insecure as

Focuses on the lack of safety and stability, implying a risk of adverse changes or events.

FAQs

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

You can use "as vulnerable as" to compare the susceptibility of one thing to another. For example, "The small business is "as vulnerable as" a sapling in a storm".

What are some alternatives to "as vulnerable as"?

Alternatives include "as defenseless as", "as exposed as", or "as susceptible as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as vulnerable as" and "as sensitive as"?

"As vulnerable as" emphasizes the potential for harm or damage, while "as sensitive as" highlights a heightened responsiveness to stimuli or change. They aren't interchangeable.

What makes something "as vulnerable as" something else?

The vulnerability stems from a lack of protection, inherent weakness, or exposure to threats. The comparison highlights these factors in a vivid way.