as active as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as active as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's level of activity or energy to that of something known for being very active. Example: "She is as active as a bee, buzzing around from one task to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The bee in the man's kitchen was as active as a tennis player when the man first saw it.

The New Yorker

His serves, varied of length and speed and nearly always wildly spinning, were almost impossible to read – "Most puzzling!" chuntered our slightly confused Guardian Gent – allowing Brookes to advance to the net "as active as a cat" to volley "the hottest returns".

The Guardian - Sport

"The program asks questions, figures out configurations, makes recommendations — it's as active as a real salesperson," says Frederick Hayes-Roth, chairman and chief executive of Teknowledge.

Forbes

With H2 in the feed, the higher surface area carbides (⩾ 36 m2g) were as active as a Pt-Sn/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, but their selectivities were different.

Catalysis Today

They pushed down Bill Gurley (Benchmark), Josh Kopelman (First Round), Bijan Sabet (Spark)—who are all still in the top 20 and Guy Kawasaki (who was pulled off the list because he is not as active as a VC anymore).

TechCrunch

Decreasing the particle size of the catalyst by adjusting the surfactant composition during polymerization, improved the effectiveness factor by approximately one order of magnitude making it as active as a comparable standard metal catalyst.

Carbon

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We take the proportion of trees voting that a given molecule should be classified as active as an approximate measure of the probability of the molecule being active.

Chemistry Central Journal

Functional studies of these novel CFC mutants have demonstrated increased activity in vitro over wildtype MEK in stimulating ERK phosphorylation, but these CFC mutants are not as active as an artificially generated constitutively active MEK mutant ([18]; Rauen, unpublished data).

Plosone

IT'S 3 a.m. and the rest stops on the Garden State Parkway are not quite as active as, say, a Hoboken watering hole around last call.

The New York Times

She's as active as ever: a transfer of the Menier's production of Forbidden Broadway has just been announced, and a new adaptation of Frank McGuinness is being lined up for early next year.

The Guardian

The action could be as passive as watching a BMW commercial or as active as filling out a fashion survey sponsored by Banana Republic.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as active as a", ensure the comparison is easily understood and relatable to your audience. For instance, "as active as a bee" clearly conveys a high level of activity.

Common error

Avoid comparing abstract concepts with concrete objects. For example, saying "his mind was as active as a building" doesn't provide a clear or meaningful comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as active as a" functions as a comparative construction, specifically using a simile to describe someone or something's level of activity by drawing a parallel to another entity known for being active. This is supported by examples from Ludwig, showcasing diverse applications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as active as a" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a comparative level of activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides varied examples from sources like news media and scientific journals. While it's more frequent in neutral to informal contexts, it effectively illustrates a subject's level of activity by drawing parallels with well-known active entities. To make the most of this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and avoid comparing abstract concepts with concrete entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as energetic as a

Emphasizes energy level, directly mirroring the original phrase's comparison.

equally dynamic as a

Focuses on dynamism and change, providing a slightly different nuance.

as lively as a

Highlights the aspect of liveliness and spirited activity.

as vigorous as a

Stresses strength and active physical or mental force.

as busy as a

Implies a state of being occupied or engaged in multiple tasks.

just as industrious as a

Highlights diligence and hard work in a comparative context.

as proactive as a

Emphasizes taking initiative and controlling a situation.

as engaged as a

Focuses on being involved and participating actively.

as involved as a

Implies participation and a role in something.

equally responsive as a

Highlights the quickness and effectiveness of reactions or actions.

FAQs

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

Use "as active as a" to compare someone or something's level of activity to another entity. Example: "The child was as active as a puppy, running around the park."

What are some synonyms for "as active as a"?

Alternatives include "as lively as a", "as energetic as a", or "as busy as a", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "as active as" without the indefinite article?

While "as active as" can be grammatically correct, adding the indefinite article "a" typically provides a clearer and more complete comparison, specifying what the subject is as active as. For example, "as active as a runner" is better than "as active as runner".

What is the difference between "as active as a" and "very active"?

"As active as a" implies a comparison to something else known for its activity, while "very active" simply describes a high level of activity without making a direct comparison.