unclean as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unclean as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in comparisons to describe something that is considered dirty or impure in a figurative or literal sense. Example: "The room was uncared for, uncooked, and uncooked as a forgotten cellar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She once said to me that all writers should be preceded by a figure ringing a bell, shouting "unclean, unclean", as used to be the case with those infected by the plague.

The Guardian - Books

Rabbits are considered unclean as they do not have a cloven hoof and any animal that crawls on its stomach is not deemed edible.

Independent

Many times during his childhood, Mr. Tavakkoli recalled, the family home was smeared with dog feces, a way of showing that Bahais were as unclean as animals.

The New York Times

As far as the free world is concerned, these men are as unclean as the lepers of Jesus' day.

Huffington Post

Despite the importance of death rituals, in traditional Japanese culture the subject is considered unclean as everything related to death is thought to be a source of (defilement).

Wikipedia

Notice that in none of those stories do any of Jesus' opponents complain about his contact with people who are unclean as they complain in other cases.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Vermin and cockroaches were widespread, inspectors found, and blood and vomit was left in hallways uncleaned, as well as rat droppings.

The Guardian

Inspections of the drug maker have revealed a stunning array of dangerous practices and unclean equipment, as well as vials of medicine with visible blobs of fungal matter floating in it.

The New York Times - Health

"Diarrhoea which is often caused by unclean water as well as by poor sanitation and hygiene practices remains one of biggest killers of children under five in Indonesia," she added.

Unicef

Dr. Whitney Bowe: In the world of cosmetics and skincare, we are witnessing a major shift towards more natural ingredients and "clean" beauty, and avoidance of certain ingredients perceived as "unclean" such as parabens, silicones, phthalates, and mineral oil.

Forbes

Black pudding, the bane of British breakfasts, as unclean a concoction as the human palate has ever tasted, has recently undergone rehabilitation; it has been inducted into serious cuisine.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unclean as", ensure the comparison is clear and the context supports the figurative or literal sense of impurity. For example, "His reputation was as unclean as a garbage heap" is more effective than simply saying, "He was unclean as."

Common error

Avoid using "unclean as" in contexts where it may cause unintended offense or reinforce harmful stereotypes. The phrase often carries strong negative connotations related to morality, hygiene, or social status, so be mindful of its implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclean as" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its level of impurity or dirtiness to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unclean as" serves as a potent comparative adjective, vividly illustrating a subject's impurity or filth. Grammatically sound and deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its register leans towards neutral, lending itself to diverse contexts from news reporting to scientific discourse. While not exceedingly common, its impact lies in its capacity to evoke strong imagery. When employing this phrase, ensure contextual appropriateness and sensitivity to avoid unintended offense, as the term "unclean" carries considerable negative baggage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impure like

Replaces "unclean" with "impure" offering a synonym for something considered defiled or contaminated.

tainted like

Uses "tainted" to convey a sense of contamination or corruption, similar to being unclean.

filthy as

Substitutes "unclean" with "filthy", emphasizing a high degree of dirtiness or impurity.

soiled like

Employs "soiled" to indicate something that has been dirtied or stained, akin to being unclean.

defiled as

Replaces "unclean" with "defiled", suggesting a violation of purity or sanctity.

polluted like

Uses "polluted" to denote contamination, often referring to environmental or moral impurity.

contaminated as

Employs "contaminated" to indicate the presence of unwanted or harmful substances.

sullied like

Replaces "unclean" with "sullied", implying that something has been stained or disgraced.

unhygienic as

Substitutes "unclean" with "unhygienic", focusing on the lack of cleanliness and potential for disease.

unsanitary like

Uses "unsanitary" to denote conditions that are likely to cause disease or infection, similar to being unclean.

FAQs

What does "unclean as" mean?

The phrase "unclean as" is used to describe something that is considered dirty, impure, or morally tainted. It's often used in comparisons to emphasize the degree of impurity or filth.

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

You can use "unclean as" to compare something to a known source of dirt or impurity. For example, "The kitchen was as unclean as a neglected restroom" or "His conscience felt as unclean as a liar's promise."

What are some synonyms for "unclean as"?

Alternatives to "unclean as" include "filthy as", "impure like", "tainted like", or "soiled like", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unclean as" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "unclean as" might be considered too informal or emotive for certain formal contexts. Consider more neutral or precise language, depending on the specific audience and purpose of your writing.