as best as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as best as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you are doing something to the best of your ability. For example: "I will try to help you as best as I can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Esther commiserated as best as she could.

The New York Times

You prepare as best as you can.

The Guardian - Sport

We keep them away as best as we can.

The New York Times

So we began to mainstream her as best as possible.

The New York Times

We did our job as best as we could".

The New York Times

"Hope you are managing as best as possible," he added.

Independent

I was happy to help as best as I could.

The New York Times

I reassured him as best as I could.

The New Yorker

"I try as best as I can on court".

The New York Times

I'm coping with it as best as I can".

Independent

"Hopefully we'll do as best as we can".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the phrase to qualify actions or decisions, especially when acknowledging limitations or constraints. It demonstrates thoughtfulness and awareness of context.

Common error

Avoid using "as best as" as a substitute for clearly defined standards or measurable outcomes. While it indicates effort, it doesn't specify what "best" means in a given situation. Always aim to specify the target outcome where possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as best as" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction suggests that the action is done to the highest standard achievable in given circumstances. Examples in Ludwig show it's often followed by a clause specifying the context (e.g., "as best as I can").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as best as" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating that an action is performed to the highest standard achievable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for expressing maximum effort within constraints. It’s frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it is versatile enough for various settings. To enhance clarity, always ensure the context specifies what "best" entails. Avoid overuse as a substitute for clearly defined standards. Use the phrase "as best as" to qualify decisions and actions that acknowledge limitations. You can choose from phrases like "to the best of one's ability" or "as well as possible" to sound more natural. Remember to avoid vague qualifiers and always specify target outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as well as possible

Slightly different wording, but the meaning is essentially identical.

as much as one can

Focuses on what is within the realm of one's own possibilities and actions.

to the best of one's ability

This alternative directly emphasizes the limit of one's capabilities and effort.

to one's utmost

Emphasizes the maximum level of exertion or capacity.

to the fullest extent possible

This alternative emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the effort made.

in the best way possible

Emphasizes the quality of action and the optimization process used.

to the best of their capacity

Focuses on the inherent capability or potential for doing something.

to the limit of their capabilities

Highlights the boundaries of what someone or something is able to achieve.

to the greatest degree imaginable

Highlights the expansive possibilities within a particular set of circumstances.

with maximum effort

Highlights the level of effort applied.

FAQs

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

Use "as best as" to indicate that something is being done to the highest standard achievable given constraints. For example, "I will try to explain it "as best as I can"."

What phrases are similar to "as best as"?

Similar phrases include "to the best of my ability", "as well as possible", or "to the fullest extent possible". The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to use "as best as I can" or "as best I can"?

Both forms are acceptable, but "as best as I can" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the effort being made. The shorter version, "as best I can", is more common in casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as best as"?

It is appropriate to use "as best as" when you want to convey that you are doing something with maximum effort and skill, given the available resources or constraints. It's useful when acknowledging limitations while promising a strong effort.