fragile like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something's delicacy or vulnerability to another object or concept that is known to be fragile. Example: "The glass figurine was fragile like a butterfly's wings, requiring careful handling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Her religious faith now feels fragile, "like a soap bubble".

The New York Times - Books

It felt so fragile, like I could easily crush it if I pressed too hard.

The New York Times

Memories are thin, watery and fragile, like gas rising off the pavement on the hottest days.

The New Yorker

(The script's character list describes her as "tough and yet fragile like glass").

The New York Times

"We're very fragile, like every team in the N.B.A.," Turetzky said.

The New York Times - Sports

According to Mr Chandy, by 2030 nearly two-thirds of the world's poor will be living in states now deemed "fragile" (like the Congo and Somalia).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They can collapse weakened buildings, especially fragile structures like mobile homes.

WikiHow

There is also a mystery about her fragile lady-like mother and her father who is never seen.

The New Yorker

Examine your gift – is it sturdy, fragile, box-like or have small moving pieces?

WikiHow

Fragile and delicate like a petite, gamine ballet dancer.

Huffington Post

Skinny blonde women with expensive noses hammered to a fragile tip, like if she coughed too hard it'd flutter off her face like a dandelion spore.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fragile like" to create vivid comparisons, emphasizing the delicate nature of the subject by relating it to a commonly understood vulnerable object or concept.

Common error

While effective, "fragile like" can lose its impact if used excessively. Vary your descriptive language to avoid monotony and maintain reader engagement. Consider alternatives such as "delicate as" or "vulnerable like" to add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile like" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison between the fragility of one subject and another, often to emphasize its delicate nature or vulnerability. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fragile like" serves as a common and effective simile, employed to emphasize the delicate and easily damaged nature of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides various examples across diverse contexts. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific writing, and offers a vivid way to convey vulnerability. While accurate and readily understandable, remember to incorporate varied descriptions in your writing to avoid overuse. It's worth noting that other alternatives such as "delicate as" or "brittle like" may be considered to avoid monotony. Overall, this phrase delivers meaningful comparisons, enhancing reader comprehension and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate as

Uses a different adjective to convey a similar sense of vulnerability and sensitivity, employing 'as' instead of 'like' for comparison.

brittle like

Emphasizes the tendency to break easily, like something that lacks flexibility or resilience.

vulnerable like

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or damage, whether physical or emotional.

breakable like

Highlights the potential for being easily damaged or destroyed.

flimsy like

Suggests a lack of strength or solidity, emphasizing fragility through poor construction or materials.

susceptible like

Indicates a predisposition or tendency to be affected by something negative or harmful.

unstable like

Implies a lack of firmness or steadiness, suggesting a risk of collapse or failure.

weak like

Denotes a lack of physical strength or power, often suggesting frailty or a diminished capacity.

precarious like

Highlights a state of uncertainty or risk, where stability is not guaranteed.

tenuous like

Suggests a delicate or insubstantial nature, where connections or relationships are easily broken.

FAQs

How can I use "fragile like" in a sentence?

Use "fragile like" to draw a comparison that emphasizes the delicate or easily damaged nature of something. For instance, "Her confidence was "fragile like" a soap bubble after the harsh criticism."

What are some alternatives to "fragile like"?

You can use alternatives such as "delicate as", "brittle like", or "vulnerable like" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fragile like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "fragile like" is grammatically correct and functions as a simile, comparing the fragility of one thing to another. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "fragile like" and "as fragile as"?

While both convey a sense of fragility, ""fragile like"" is a direct comparison, whereas "as "fragile as"" is a more formal simile structure. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.