as compact as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as compact as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the size or density of two or more objects or concepts, indicating that one is similar in compactness to another. Example: "The new smartphone is as compact as its predecessor, making it easy to carry in a pocket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Michael Johnson's persona seemed to be as compact as his running style.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, the relationship between cold and snow is not as compact as you'd like to believe.

The Guardian

A deep-skirt block — not as compact as the original design, but stronger — was specified.

The New York Times

However, regulations on expansion, to keep urbanisation as compact as possible, will be the bigger prerogative of cities, Creutzig says.

The Guardian

A vitrine label quotes the photographer Cecil Beaton as saying, "She reminds one of the neatest, newest luggage and is as compact as a Vuitton traveling case".

The New York Times - Arts

Samuel Anderson, the partner in Alspector Anderson Architects who is in charge of the project, has designed the narrow space to be as compact as a ship's galley.

The New York Times - Arts

But on a line as compact as the shuttle, tens of thousands of regular riders have to try very hard to miss Mr. Homa.

The New York Times

"In the first half I was disappointed because we conceded from a set piece and weren't as compact as we needed to be," the Hungary manager said.

The Guardian - Sport

But on an island as compact as Manhattan, it is perhaps inevitable that one might set up camp in an apartment with at least some infamy.

The New York Times

It's a wonderfully portable little volume, as compact as a cigarette case and, in Michael R. Bloomberg's smokeless New York, far more useful.

The New York Times

Buy now 4. Pro Hyperwarm Shield Fitted Mock Neck 2.0: £60, store.nike.com This isn't as compact as the other offerings but will keep you warm extremely well.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as compact as", ensure you're comparing items that are conceptually similar. For example, compare sizes of different models or generations of the same product, or different approaches to the same design challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "as compact as" when comparing intangible qualities or concepts. Instead of saying "His argument was as compact as a mathematical proof", consider using alternatives like "as concise as" or "as succinct as".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as compact as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to indicate that something has a similar level of compactness to something else, facilitating a comparison of size or density. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules and is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as compact as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase, used to express similarity in size or density between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its versatility is reflected in its usage across various contexts, including News & Media and scientific publications. When employing this comparison, be sure to assess dimensions within similar comparison, but use alternatives such as "as concise as" or "as succinct as", if relating two abstract arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as small as

Replaces "compact" with the more general term "small".

matches in compactness to

Focuses on matching the level of compactness.

as condensed as

Emphasizes the density aspect of compactness.

as tightly packed as

Highlights the arrangement of components within a small space.

bears the same compactness of

A slightly more sophisticated way of expressing equal compactness.

equally space-saving than

Focuses more on space-saving aspect than compactness.

comparably sized to

Uses a more neutral tone when comparing sizes.

as diminutive as

Emphasizes small size, potentially more extreme.

on par in terms of size with

More formal, indicating equality in size.

of similar proportions to

Highlights that items are related in the degree of size.

FAQs

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

Use "as compact as" to compare the size or density of two items. For example, "This new phone is "as compact as" my old wallet."

What's a good substitute for "as compact as"?

Alternatives include "as small as", "as dense as", or "as slim as", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct: "as compact as" or "so compact as"?

"As compact as" is the standard and grammatically correct construction for comparisons. "So compact as" is less common and typically used in different contexts.

What does "compact" really mean in the context of "as compact as"?

In the context of "as compact as", "compact" refers to something that takes up very little space, often due to efficient design or tightly packed components.