as white as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as white as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the color white to something else, often to emphasize purity or brightness. Example: "The snow was as white as freshly fallen cotton."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I had one who complained because the whiteness wasn't as white as his shaving cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hair as white as paper.

The New Yorker

The flower is as white as paper.

The New Yorker

It was as white as the walls.

The Guardian

He's as white as a sheet.

The New Yorker

Its flesh is as white as bone.

The New York Times - Food

"She's as white as she is black.

The New Yorker

Teeth are described as "white," as if we needed telling.

The New York Times - Books

The palms of his hands were as white as Dylan's.

The New Yorker

The audience is generally as white as the wine.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What began as white-as-black becomes black-as-white-as-black.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as white as" in descriptive writing to create vivid imagery and emphasize the intensity or purity of the color white.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "as white as" as it can become repetitive. Vary your descriptions with more specific color descriptors or alternative similes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as white as" functions as a simile, specifically an adjectival phrase used to describe the color of something by comparing it to something else that is known for its whiteness. Ludwig AI shows this is frequently used to describe states of shock or fear or to describe literal color.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as white as" is a common simile used to describe something's color by comparing it to something else known for its whiteness. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember that overuse can be repetitive, so consider varying your descriptions with specific color descriptors or alternative similes. Keep in mind that the best practice is to apply "as white as" to descriptive writing to create vivid imagery and emphasize the intensity or purity of the color.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as pale as

Focuses more on the lack of color or paleness, rather than pure whiteness.

snow white

Emphasizes a pure, bright whiteness, often associated with snow.

paper white

Directly compares the color to that of paper, emphasizing a clean, flat whiteness.

ivory white

Suggests a slightly creamy, elegant shade of white.

lily white

Compares whiteness to the color of a lily flower, implying purity and delicacy.

milk white

Suggests a soft, slightly warm shade of white, like the color of milk.

bone white

Implies a stark, slightly dull whiteness, like the color of bone.

chalk white

Implies a matte, slightly dusty shade of white.

ghostly white

Suggests a pale, unsettling whiteness, often associated with illness or fear.

ashen

Refers to a grayish-white color, often indicating extreme paleness or shock.

FAQs

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

You can use "as white as" to compare something's color to something else that is white. For example, "Her teeth were "as white as" pearls" or "The snow was "as white as" freshly fallen cotton".

What are some alternatives to "as white as"?

Depending on the specific shade or nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "snow white", "ivory white", or "lily white".

When is it appropriate to use "as white as a sheet"?

"As white as a sheet" is best used to describe someone's face or complexion when they are experiencing fear, shock, or illness. It suggests extreme paleness.

Is it better to say "as white as snow" or "as white as a cloud"?

Both "as white as snow" and "as white as a cloud" are valid similes, but "as white as snow" is generally more common and immediately evokes a sense of pure, bright whiteness. The choice depends on the specific imagery you want to create.