dirty as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dirty as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare something to another thing that is considered dirty or unclean. Example: "The car was dirty as a pig after the road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The sex is quite real and dirty as well.

Independent

Her hair was a mess, and dirty as well.

The New York Times - Books

That is "dirty" as in down and dirty, and not as in thuggish — at least that is an optimistic interpretation.

The New York Times

As a consolation, the Afghan officials said they now wanted Pakistan to know that Afghanistan could play dirty as well.

The New York Times

It is important when testing a disinfectant that it is tested under dirty as well as clean conditions and that the disinfectant is adequately neutralised.

Journal of Hospital Infection

It's down and dirty as far as ambiance goes but the food is top notch.

Huffington Post

Dress your kids in play clothes that they can dirty as much as they want.

WikiHow

If the wheels get wet or dirty, your hands will get dirty as well.

WikiHow

Hands are naturally very dirty and oily, and as such make the fabric of your needlepoint dirty as well.

WikiHow

Fancy getting your hands dirty as well?

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a valiant return to the dirty-as-fuck garage-dancing days.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose when using "dirty as". While common, it can be considered informal, so opt for a more formal alternative like "unclean as" in professional or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "dirty as" when a milder term would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact. For example, instead of saying "The counter was as dirty as a pigsty", consider "The counter was slightly messy" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to emphasize the degree to which something is dirty by comparing it to something else known for its dirtiness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dirty as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to emphasize uncleanliness or moral corruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, wiki content, and even scientific contexts, though its informal tone makes it less suitable for formal writing. When using "dirty as", consider the audience and choose synonyms like ""filthy as"" or ""grimy as"" to best fit the specific context and desired nuance. While versatile, be mindful of overusing strong language and adjust the intensity as needed for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filthy as

Replaces "dirty" with a synonym emphasizing extreme uncleanliness.

grimy as

Substitutes "dirty" with a term highlighting the presence of ingrained dirt or grime.

soiled as

Uses "soiled" to convey a sense of being stained or defiled.

unclean as

Offers a more general term for lacking cleanliness.

squalid as

Implies a state of being extremely dirty and unpleasant, often due to neglect.

nasty as

Replaces "dirty" with a more general term of being unpleasant or offensive.

foul as

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and repulsiveness of the dirtiness.

messy as

Focuses on the disorderliness and untidiness associated with dirt.

grubby as

Suggests a state of being covered in ingrained dirt, often due to neglect.

sordid as

Conveys a sense of moral corruption or depravity in addition to physical dirtiness.

FAQs

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

You can use "dirty as" to make comparisons, typically with something considered very unclean. For example: "His hands were as dirty as a mechanic's after a long day."

What are some synonyms for "dirty as"?

Alternatives include "filthy as", "grimy as", or "soiled as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dirty as" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dirty as" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "unclean as" or rephrasing the sentence for clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between "dirty as" and "sordid as"?

"Dirty as" refers primarily to physical uncleanliness, while "sordid as" suggests moral corruption or baseness in addition to physical dirtiness. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended meaning.