as a computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing a person's actions or abilities to those of a computer, often in discussions about efficiency or processing information. Example: "She processes data as a computer would, analyzing vast amounts of information in seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Try buying that as a computer game.

The New Yorker

Her mother retired as a computer consultant in Manhattan.

The New York Times

It is not the same as a computer game".

The New York Times - Sports

Her father retired as a computer consultant in New York.

The New York Times

At home, it can be used as a computer monitor.

The New York Times

His father retired as a computer technology consultant in Barrington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sulimankhail identified himself as a computer-science teacher in Kabul.

The New Yorker

In addition, a numerical simulation procedure is introduced as a computer-aided design tool.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

It was designed as a computer-based survey, with interviewers bringing laptops into participants' homes.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

The BQ was administered as a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI).

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Because of budget constraints, the full ship was realized as a computer-generated design.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a computer" to describe human actions, ensure the comparison is clear and relevant. Highlight specific qualities like speed, accuracy, or logical processing to make the analogy more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "as a computer" excessively, especially when describing tasks that don't genuinely benefit from the comparison. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a computer" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. Ludwig shows it modifies verbs or nouns, drawing a parallel to a computer's attributes like speed, efficiency, or logical processing. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in comparing actions to those of computers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a computer" serves as a comparative prepositional phrase, frequently employed across diverse fields such as news, science, and business. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and utility in illustrating efficiency and precision by analogy to computers. While highly prevalent, writers should exercise caution against overuse and ensure the comparison enhances rather than detracts from the clarity and impact of their writing. Alternatives like "like a computer" or "in a computer-like manner" may offer nuance depending on the specific context. This phrase appears in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC attesting to its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like a computer

Direct comparison using "like" instead of "as".

in a computer-like manner

More formal way to express similarity to computer processing.

with computer precision

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness associated with computers.

as a digital system

Emphasizes the system aspect of a computer.

digitally

Implies processing or representation in a digital format.

electronically

Refers to the electronic nature of computers.

by means of a computer

Indicates that a computer is used as a tool or instrument.

programmatically

Implies execution based on a defined set of instructions.

algorithmically

Highlights the use of algorithms in computer processing.

computationally

Focuses on the act of computation.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a computer" to compare something's efficiency, speed, or logic to that of a computer. For example: "She processes data "like a computer", analyzing vast amounts of information quickly".

What can I say instead of "as a computer"?

You can use alternatives like "like a computer", "in a computer-like manner", or "with computer precision" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to compare human intelligence to "as a computer"?

While it can be appropriate in certain contexts, be mindful that human intelligence involves creativity, emotion, and intuition, which traditional computers lack. Using alternatives like "in a computer-like manner" can help emphasize specific aspects.

What are the limitations of describing a process "as a computer"?

The phrase may oversimplify complex processes by suggesting they are purely logical and devoid of emotion or creativity. Consider using the phrase "as a digital system" to focus more on the mechanics and operations.