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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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As calm as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as calm as" is correct and can be used in written English
It is used to make a comparison between two things, implying that one thing is extremely calm. For example: "He was as calm as a Buddhist monk during the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'No, no, I'm as calm as a Buddhist monk.' Really?

It will help them remain as calm as possible.

Seconds later the room was as calm as before.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I don't say I'm singing it beautifully," she says, "but it's just as calm as that".

Despite the loss, Rivera was as calm as ever, part of the formula for his success.

News & Media

The New York Times

Nyad stayed as calm as Navy SEALs who participated in the experiment.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I wanted to keep the middle of our plot as calm as possible," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

On television, he looked every bit as calm as the President had the night before.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Her face is as calm as a moon in a daytime sky.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I probably looked a bit wild, but I was trying to stay as calm as possible".

She said she was "as calm as I have always been" over the affair.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "as calm as" to draw a vivid comparison, linking a person's or situation's composure to a well-known source of calmness, such as "as calm as a sleeping baby" or "as calm as a still lake".

⚠ Common error

Avoid using comparisons that are clichés or lack relevance to your audience. Overused comparisons like "as calm as a cucumber" can diminish the impact of your writing. Instead, opt for more specific and imaginative comparisons to enhance clarity and engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as calm as" functions as a comparative, used to describe the level of calmness by drawing a parallel with something or someone else known for their composure. Ludwig AI shows its usage across diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility in comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

27%

Science

6%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as calm as" is a versatile comparative used to emphasize a state of composure by drawing parallels with other entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage, particularly in news and media. The effectiveness of "as calm as" lies in the specific comparison chosen, which should resonate with the audience and accurately convey the intended level of tranquility. While generally neutral, the level of formality can shift depending on the selected comparison. Use "as calm as" to create vivid descriptions and avoid clichés for maximum impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "as calm as" to compare someone's composure to something known for its tranquility. For example, "During the crisis, she remained "as calm as" a seasoned diplomat".

What are some alternatives to "as calm as"?

Alternatives include "perfectly composed", "utterly serene", or "completely tranquil", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "as calm as" formal or informal?

"As calm as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific comparison you use can influence the overall tone. For example, "as calm as a Buddhist monk" might be more appropriate in a formal setting than "as calm as a kitten".

How does the choice of comparison affect the meaning of "as calm as"?

The comparison used with "as calm as" significantly impacts the overall meaning. Choosing a relevant and vivid comparison enhances the impact and clarity of your description. For instance, "as calm as a still lake" evokes a sense of peacefulness, while "as calm as a bomb disposal expert" suggests composure under intense pressure.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: