Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

As innocent as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as innocent as" is correct and can be used in written English
This phrase is used when making a comparison to emphasize that someone of something is very pure and without guilt. Example: After being accused of stealing, he walked out of the courtroom with an expression of innocence as pure as a newborn baby.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My heart as innocent as Buddha's /..

All roots are as innocent as potatoes.

They were as innocent as children.

News & Media

The New York Times

Legal highs aren't as innocent as their name suggests.

News & Media

Independent

But it's not as innocent as it sounds.

These privileged girls are as innocent as they are cruel.

News & Media

The New York Times

It looks as innocent as a key fob.

News & Media

The New York Times

NBC's folly is not nearly as innocent as McCulloch's.

And is he, in fact, as innocent as all that?

Never – I am as innocent as the driven snow.

His slides were not as innocent as they seemed.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "as innocent as" to draw a comparison, enhancing the reader's understanding of the subject's innocence by associating it with a universally recognized symbol or concept of purity. For example, "He looked "as innocent as" a newborn baby."

⚠ Common error

Be precise about the context. Innocence can refer to legal culpability, moral purity, or lack of knowledge. Ensure the comparison is apt: saying someone is "as innocent as" a lamb might not fit if you mean they're simply unaware of complex financial schemes.

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 innocent as" serves as a simile, comparing someone or something's innocence to a well-known symbol or concept of purity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and the examples show its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

⚠ Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as innocent as" is a simile used to emphasize the purity or lack of guilt associated with a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific context of innocence (legal, moral, or naive) to ensure the comparison resonates. By exploring related phrases like "as blameless as" or "as pure as", writers can fine-tune their expression. With its widespread presence and clear meaning, "as innocent as" remains a powerful tool for conveying a sense of blamelessness or naivete.

FAQs

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

You can use "as innocent as" to describe someone or something that appears to be completely free from guilt or wrongdoing. For example, "The child looked "as innocent as an angel" after the prank".

What are some alternatives to saying "as innocent as"?

Alternatives include "as blameless as", "as pure as", or "as naive as", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "as innocent as a lamb" or "as innocent as a fox"?

"As innocent as a lamb" is the common idiom. Saying "as innocent as a fox" would be ironic, as foxes are typically associated with cunning and trickery. Therefore, "as innocent as a lamb" is generally more appropriate.

What does it mean to be "as innocent as the driven snow"?

To be "as innocent as the driven snow" is an idiom that means to be completely pure, without any sin or wrongdoing. The phrase emphasizes the purity of freshly fallen snow, untouched and untainted.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: