so much as with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so much as with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a comparison or contrast, often in a negative context, suggesting that something is not true to the same extent as another thing. Example: "He didn't care so much as with his own interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some kinds of forgetfulness, researchers are finding, are not problems with memory so much as with perception.

The New York Times - Science

The fault doesn't lie with any one school of thought so much as with the academy itself.

The Washington Post

In any case, we are not concerned here with the formation of welfare states so much as with their continued flourishing today.

The Guardian

They'd just had enough of living with each other, though not with each other so much as with anyone, I think.

The New Yorker

But he is not often concerned with creating a tangible framework or song structure so much as with evoking a vibe.

The New Yorker

In response to further questioning, Icahn clarified that he wasn't concerned with interference so much as with the country's "relationship" with Apple.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Before she was 30, she hadn't so much as walked with a rucksack and had no experience of navigating with a compass.

BBC

She's never frolicked on the photocopier with Peter from the accounts department, never filched so much as a With Compliments slip from the office stationery cupboard.

The Guardian - Money

FEW of President Obama's original foreign policy goals have eluded him so much as engagement with Iran.

The New York Times

You don't interview Swinton so much as engage with her – particularly when it comes to cinema.

Independent

He said he could now face arrest for so much as chatting with children about attending a Methodist camp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so much as with" to create a nuanced contrast, emphasizing that one aspect is less significant than another. For example, "He wasn't concerned with the prize so much as with the honor."

Common error

Avoid using "so much as with" when a simple statement of fact is needed. It's designed for comparison, not declaration. For example, instead of "He failed so much as with his attitude", consider "His failure stemmed from his attitude."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so much as with" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements to emphasize that the first is of lesser importance, concern, or relevance than the second. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from news and media, showcasing its comparative nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so much as with" is a comparative conjunction used to de-emphasize the first element in relation to the second. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, ensure the context genuinely requires a comparison to avoid misuse. For alternatives, consider phrases like "rather than with" or "instead of with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as much as with

Emphasizes a smaller quantity or degree in comparison.

rather than with

Indicates a preference or choice between two options.

instead of with

Replaces one element with another, offering a substitute.

more than with

Highlights a greater quantity or degree in comparison.

not so much as compared to with

Introduces a direct comparison, specifying the base for comparison.

less than with

Indicates a smaller amount or lower degree.

to a lesser extent than with

Formal way of showing something is happening at a minor degree.

not nearly as much as with

Highlights a significant difference in quantity or degree.

not quite as much as with

Indicates a slight difference in quantity or degree.

not to the same degree as with

Formal way to express difference in quantity or grade.

FAQs

How can I use "so much as with" in a sentence?

Use "so much as with" to show that one thing is not as important or relevant as another. For example, "The company isn't concerned with short-term profits so much as with long-term sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "so much as with"?

Alternatives include "rather than with", "instead of with", or "not as much as with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "so much as with" in formal writing?

Yes, "so much as with" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when making a nuanced comparison. However, ensure the context calls for a comparison and not a simple statement.

What is the difference between "so much as with" and "not as much as with"?

"So much as with" emphasizes that one thing is less important than another, while "not as much as with" simply states that one thing is less than another without necessarily implying importance. The subtle difference lies in the emphasis.