agile as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "agile as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's agility or quickness to that of something known for being agile, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She moved through the crowded room, agile as a cat, effortlessly dodging obstacles in her path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He got up like a cat, as agile as a cat, an agility I would never expect in a man as old as he was, and he left me.

The New Yorker

Since the volume (and hence weight) of an animal increases by the cube of its length, it is physically impossible for an elephant to be as agile as a cat, no matter how great an adaptive advantage such agility might provide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was said to be as agile as a cat.

The New Yorker

What happens when a large, established bank decides to adopt agile as a management model?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Most organizations have fallen prey to a simple message — implement Agile as a series of ceremonies and everything gets better.

Harvard Business Review

Once, Bari-Mai, quick and agile as a monkey, clambered onto the bed and began to press down on Mother's legs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

The Mavic Pro is fast and agile and as an extreme range.

TechCrunch

"Getting rid of the paper processes so we could be more efficient and agile as an organization, and spend our time on things that matter most, was very, very important," she says.

Forbes

Mitchell is agile as an inside linebacker, has quick hands and can bang with both hands.

Huffington Post

I try to keep my mind as agile and nimble as a feisty three-year-old.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With these desirable and trusted workers, your organization can become as agile and nimble as a garage startup.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "agile as a" to draw a vivid comparison, linking the subject's agility to a well-known example, enhancing the reader's understanding and visualization.

Common error

Avoid using "agile as a" when the comparison is weak or unclear. Ensure the object of comparison is universally recognized for its agility to maintain the phrase's effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "agile as a" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe the degree of agility something possesses by comparing it to a known standard. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its effectiveness in creating vivid comparisons.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "agile as a" is a grammatically correct and useful comparative phrase for emphasizing a subject's agility by drawing a comparison to something known for its quickness and nimbleness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it adds vividness to descriptions when used effectively. It's essential to ensure the comparison is logical and clear to enhance the reader's understanding. Alternatives like "as nimble as" or "as quick as" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as nimble as

Focuses on dexterity and quickness in movement or thought, similar to agility.

as quick as

Emphasizes speed and promptness in action or response.

with the agility of

Highlights the characteristic of agility using a possessive structure.

possessing the nimbleness of

Stresses having the quality of being nimble.

as spry as

Indicates liveliness and agility, especially in older individuals.

with cat-like reflexes

Highlights the quick responsiveness associated with cats.

demonstrating agility like

Emphasizes showing agility in a specific manner.

moving with the grace of

Focuses on the elegance and fluidity of movement.

as lithe as

Implies flexibility and gracefulness in movement.

exhibiting the flexibility of

Stresses the capability to adapt and change easily.

FAQs

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

Use "agile as a" to compare someone or something's quickness and nimbleness to a well-known agile entity. For example, "The dancer was agile as a cat, leaping across the stage."

What are some alternatives to "agile as a"?

You can use alternatives like "as nimble as", "as quick as", or "with the agility of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "agile as a" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the speed, grace, and dexterity of a subject by comparing it to something naturally agile, such as a cat or a monkey. Ensure the comparison is logical and adds value to the description.

What's the difference between "agile as a" and "agile and nimble"?

"Agile as a" is a comparative phrase that highlights a specific comparison, while "agile and nimble" simply lists two related qualities without making a direct comparison. The former is used for illustration, the latter for description.