about as efficient as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about as efficient as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the efficiency of two things, indicating that they are similarly effective or ineffective. Example: "This new software is about as efficient as the old one, providing similar results in processing time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In most cases, though, using a traditional fireplace for heat is about as efficient as cooling the house by leaving the refrigerator door open.

The New York Times

And while the gasoline-alcohol engine is somewhat more efficient than the diesel at high torque and less efficient at low torque, in general the small SI engine is about as efficient as the diesel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The gasoline-alcohol engine is somewhat more efficient than the diesel at high torque and less efficient at low torque, but in general the small SI engine is about as efficient as the diesel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The new system is about as efficient as natural photosynthesis at using the energy in sunlight, says Yang. That's not enough for the process to be commercially viable, but he says new semiconductor materials his group is currently working with should make the process more competitive.

MIT Technology Review

Natcore says solar cells using this design could be about as efficient as conventional silicon solar cells, but cost roughly half as much to make, in large part because they could be made with the same equipment that Kodak has used to make photographic film.

MIT Technology Review

ReneSola's Virtus Wafer could help bring the cheaper-to-make variety of solar tech — multicrystalline solar cells and panels — to be about as efficient as monocrystalline varieties, without being as costly to manufacture.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Temple 79, Texas 65 Playing about as efficient a first half as possible, Temple turned a running Texas team into mannequins and ended up with a victory that should scare anyone in its bracket.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is important to emphasise that, however proficient the admission system is - and our arrangements in London are about as efficient and fair as it is possible to have - it cannot create additional places at the most popular schools".

BBC

Helen Jenner, chairwoman of the Pan London Admissions Board which co-ordinates school admissions across London, said: "However proficient the admissions system is - and our arrangements in London are about as efficient and fair as it is possible to have - it cannot create extra places at schools which are already full.

BBC

Coachella has almost hit a Platonic ideal, where all of Goldenvoice's incremental improvements have added up to just about as efficient a fest as one could ask for on this scale.

Los Angeles Times

For a start, electric motors are about twice as efficient as internal combustion or jet engines.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing efficiency, specify the context to ensure clarity. For example, clarify whether you are discussing energy efficiency, resource efficiency, or time efficiency when using the phrase "about as efficient as".

Common error

Avoid using "about as efficient as" without clearly defining what aspect of efficiency is being compared. Vague comparisons can lead to misinterpretations. Always provide specific metrics or contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about as efficient as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something by comparing its efficiency to that of something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about as efficient as" is a comparative tool used to express similarity in effectiveness or performance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and illustrates its usage across various contexts. While not overly frequent, it commonly appears in news, scientific, and academic domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide specific context and clearly define the aspect of efficiency being compared to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "nearly as efficient as" or "comparably efficient to" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly as efficient as

Emphasizes a slight difference in efficiency, implying it's just below the reference point.

almost as efficient as

Similar to 'nearly as efficient', highlighting a minor gap in efficiency.

roughly as efficient as

Indicates an approximate level of efficiency, allowing for some variation.

comparably efficient to

Uses a different grammatical structure, replacing 'as efficient as' with 'comparably efficient to'.

of similar efficiency to

Employs a more formal tone, focusing on the similarity in efficiency levels.

on par with in terms of efficiency

Expresses equivalence using 'on par with', emphasizing the 'efficiency' aspect.

matches the efficiency of

Focuses on matching or equaling the efficiency, suggesting a direct comparison.

performs with similar efficiency to

Highlights the performance aspect, indicating that the efficiency is observed through operation.

exhibits comparable efficiency to

A more technical or scientific rephrasing, suitable for formal reports or studies.

functions at a similar efficiency level to

Describes the efficiency in terms of a level or standard, adding a layer of specificity.

FAQs

How can I use "about as efficient as" in a sentence?

Use "about as efficient as" to compare the performance or effectiveness of two things. For example, "The new solar panel is "about as efficient as" the previous model, but it's cheaper to manufacture".

What can I say instead of "about as efficient as"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly as efficient as", "comparably efficient to", or "almost as efficient as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "as efficient as" or "about as efficient as"?

"About as efficient as" implies a slight approximation or uncertainty in the comparison, while "as efficient as" suggests a more precise equivalence. The choice depends on the level of accuracy you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "about as efficient as" something else?

It means that the two things being compared have a similar level of effectiveness or performance in a particular context. The phrase indicates that their efficiency is roughly equivalent.