white as snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "white as snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is very white or pure, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her dress was white as snow, making her look like a vision of elegance on her wedding day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's white as snow.

Columbia University

With feathers as white as snow and faces as bright as the moonlight: Angels.

The New York Times - Arts

Ophelia says of Polonius, "His beard as white as snow: All flaxen was his poll".

The New Yorker

Recently, I heard about a couple in Germany, white as snow, who had a dark-skinned baby nobody could explain.

The New Yorker

"I imagined her white as snow like the pictures, with brilliant black eyes," her aunt, Olga Alvarez, said.

The New York Times

At one séance in Connecticut, Home produced "a perfect human hand, but white as snow [which] ENDED AT THE WRIST".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Beyond that, it looks as if Kingsman's Sofia Boutella will doing a lot of spinning and kicking as a militant, white-as-snow alien, and we get a glimpse of the film's villain, played by Idris Elba - a snarling, demonic-looking alien.

Independent

Wicked Queen Trump Offers Skin-White-As-Snow Followers a Magic Wishing Apple.

Huffington Post

Top this white-as-snow pudding with scented geranium leaves and flowers and rim the base of each serving with slices of soft fruit or a crimson ribbon of pureed berries.

Los Angeles Times

It is the gentlest of send-ups of Snow White – as well as of Blanche DuBois.

The Guardian - Film

Fresh lard is white, as luminous as fallen snow and as silky to the touch as lipstick.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the simile "white as snow" to vividly describe something of exceptional whiteness, especially when aiming for a poetic or descriptive effect. It's particularly effective when evoking a sense of purity or cleanliness.

Common error

Avoid using "white as snow" in predictable or overly sentimental situations. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Seek fresh similes for a more engaging description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "white as snow" functions primarily as a simile, which is a figure of speech that directly compares two things using 'as' or 'like'. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which recognizes its descriptive nature. It's used to vividly describe the color white by drawing a comparison to snow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

15%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "white as snow" is a common and grammatically sound simile used to describe something exceptionally white. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and descriptive nature. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and, less often, in Academic contexts. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid cliché. For alternatives, consider phrases like "pure as snow" or "snowy white". When aiming for vivid imagery of whiteness coupled with purity, "white as snow" remains a potent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure as snow

This alternative emphasizes the purity aspect more strongly than just the color.

snowy white

This is a simple variation using an adjective form of snow.

white as a sheet

This suggests a paleness, often associated with fear or illness, rather than just pure whiteness.

lily-white

This implies a delicate and pure white, like that of a lily.

pristine white

This highlights the immaculate and untouched quality of the whiteness.

fair as snow

This is an archaic alternative with the same meaning.

ivory white

This refers to a specific shade of white, slightly off-white and creamy.

alabaster white

This denotes a smooth, translucent white, like the mineral alabaster.

chalk white

This refers to a dull, matte white, similar to chalk.

bleached white

This suggests an artificial process to achieve extreme whiteness.

FAQs

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

Use "white as snow" to describe something that is exceptionally white. For example: "The freshly fallen snow was "white as snow"."

What is the meaning of "white as snow"?

"White as snow" is a simile used to describe something that is very white, often suggesting purity or cleanliness.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "white as snow"?

Some alternatives to "white as snow" include "pure as snow", "snowy white", or "lily-white" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "white as snow"?

Yes, "white as snow" is a grammatically correct simile widely used in English.