Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
as deft as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "as deft as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's skill or agility in a particular task to that of a skilled individual or animal, often followed by a noun that completes the simile. Example: "She handled the delicate instruments as deft as a surgeon."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
Nicholson's rhinoplasty is as deft as a blindfold party kid trying to pin a tail on a donkey.
News & Media
In other words, the movie's action delivers the premise for that action; the trick is as deft as a scaffold-builder extending his platform stepwise while advancing above the void.
News & Media
At forty-five, Damon remains in frightening fettle, but twinned with that hunkhood is a touch as deft as a pickpocket's.
News & Media
The final score, 3-1, came via a 71st-minute penalty kick, converted by you-know-who, and a 69th-minute masterpiece involving the trickery of Iniesta, the first-touch pass of David Villa, and the finish by Xavi Hernández with a touch as deft as a pickpocket's.
News & Media
But with eyes as keen as a jeweler's and fingers as deft as a blind person's, Mohammed daily pores over parcels and scans people's clothes and vehicles, often snaring lethal objects.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
And although the religion's critics are right to point to the paradox of its championing of the poor with its own love of the good life and exquisite art, together with its extraordinary capacity to be as deft as any secular politician in the pursuit of its aims, there is an integrity, appeal and spirituality about its purpose that even an agnostic non-Catholic like me has to concede.
News & Media
Every sound is carefully placed in the exact right spot, with a care that's as deft as it's deliberate.
News & Media
Its tonal shifts are as deft as they are numerous — and the success of this balancing act owes a great deal to the film's co-writer and co-star Alice Lowe.
News & Media
Desserts, including a toasty little coconut cake with marinated pineapple and a blameless tiramisu in its own dark chocolate boat, were as deft as everything that had gone before.
News & Media
Findlay's production is as deft as it is dark.
News & Media
It turned out Youkilis wasn't as deft as he thought.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "as deft as a", ensure that the comparison is clear and easily understood by the reader. The object of comparison should be widely recognized for its skill or agility in the specific context.
Common error
Avoid using "as deft as a" with obscure or uncommon comparisons. The simile loses its effectiveness if the reader is unfamiliar with the skill or characteristic associated with the object of comparison.
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "as deft as a" functions as a simile, used to compare someone's skill or expertise to a person or thing known for similar qualities. This phrase is found in Ludwig's examples to describe different skills, like in the example 'a touch as deft as a pickpocket's'.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "as deft as a" is a simile used to describe someone's skill or ability by comparing it to a person or thing known for similar qualities. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and is most commonly found in News & Media. While the phrase is not particularly common, it is helpful in emphasizing the precision and skill involved in a particular action. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and well-understood. Alternatives such as "as skilled as a" or "as nimble as a" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
as skilled as a
Replaces 'deft' with 'skilled', focusing on general ability rather than precise movement.
as nimble as a
Substitutes 'deft' with 'nimble', emphasizing quickness and lightness of movement.
as adroit as a
Replaces 'deft' with 'adroit', highlighting skill in handling situations or objects.
as adept as a
Uses 'adept' instead of 'deft', stressing proficiency and expertise.
as proficient as a
Employs 'proficient' to convey a high degree of competence.
as expert as a
Replaces 'deft' with 'expert', focusing on specialized knowledge or skill.
as masterful as a
Substitutes 'deft' with 'masterful', suggesting exceptional skill and control.
with the skill of a
Changes the structure to focus on the skill itself rather than a direct comparison.
with the finesse of a
Uses 'finesse' to highlight the delicate and refined nature of the skill.
with the precision of a
Emphasizes accuracy and exactness instead of general skill.
FAQs
How can I use "as deft as a" in a sentence?
Use "as deft as a" to compare someone's skill or agility to a well-known expert. For example, "She navigated the negotiations "as deft as a diplomat"".
What are some alternatives to using "as deft as a"?
Alternatives include phrases like "as skilled as a", "as nimble as a", or "as adroit as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is there a difference between saying "as deft as a" and "as skilled as a"?
While similar, "deft" implies a delicate and precise skill, whereas "skilled" is a more general term for competence. Use "as deft as a" when the context involves finesse and careful execution.
What kind of scenarios is the phrase "as deft as a" most appropriate for?
The phrase "as deft as a" is best suited for situations where someone demonstrates skillful and precise movements. Consider, "The surgeon's hands were as deft as a watchmaker's when performing the intricate procedure."
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested