as diligent as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as diligent as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's diligence to that of a well-known diligent entity, often followed by a specific noun to complete the comparison. Example: "She is as diligent as a bee when it comes to her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

London Metropolitan had restored its reputation after a £36.5m fine in 2009 for over-inflating student numbers and was now "as diligent as any [institution] in the country" when it came to reporting enrolment data.

The Guardian

Because of a misinterpretation of an indistinct section of a tape-recorded interview, the story quoted Malcolm Gillies, vice-chancellor, as saying that it was "as diligent as any [institution] in the country" when it came to reporting enrolment data, checking foreign student attendance and meeting Home Office requirements on English language for higher learning.

The Guardian

Few have been as diligent as the Germans, who created a compound noun, Vergangenheitsbewältigung, which roughly translates as "the struggle to come to terms with the past".

The Economist

Many reporters muttered in disbelief during and after her remarks, surprised that a candidate as diligent as Mrs. Clinton -– who always talked about being well-prepared and doing her homework -– would not have read the speech yet.

The New York Times

Of course, to get the real story you need to have a reporter as diligent as Charles Ornstein is in the above instance.

Huffington Post

He had watched the star for thirty years, and had noticed that it oscillated between the fourth and the sixth of the six magnitudes that had been described many centuries earlier by a Greek, who was as diligent as he, and who, like him, thought that observing the stars was a route that would take one far.

The New Yorker

Though details remained sketchy, it was clear yesterday that the system nearly collapsed because of several factors, among them the volume of information being fed into its main computer, a series of technological flaws in the system and a canvassing force that was not as diligent as it might have been.

The New York Times

"I tried to be as diligent as I could".

The New York Times

"And not every college was as diligent as they should have been.

The New York Times

"We try to be as diligent as possible and to build relationships," she said.

The New York Times

But the natty Cave, a professor in the fashion department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, is as diligent as his work is flamboyant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as diligent as a" to draw a vivid comparison by associating the subject's diligence with a specific entity or activity known for its thoroughness and dedication. For instance, "as diligent as a detective" or "as diligent as a surgeon".

Common error

Avoid using "as diligent as a" without specifying what the subject's diligence is being compared to. Incomplete comparisons can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. Always complete the phrase with a relevant noun or noun phrase that clarifies the scope and intensity of the diligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as diligent as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to emphasize the degree to which someone or something exhibits diligence, by drawing a comparison to something or someone known for that quality. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as diligent as a" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, designed to emphasize the high degree of someone's diligence through comparison. While grammatically correct, and as stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase's usage is currently limited, as evidenced by the lack of examples in the provided dataset. To maximize its impact, complete the phrase with a specific noun or noun phrase clarifying the comparison. For scenarios where alternative phrasing is desired, consider options such as "as assiduous as a", "as industrious as a", or "as conscientious as a", depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as assiduous as a

Replaces "diligent" with "assiduous", offering a more formal synonym.

as industrious as a

Substitutes "diligent" with "industrious", emphasizing hard work and productivity.

as conscientious as a

Replaces "diligent" with "conscientious", focusing on carefulness and moral responsibility.

as painstaking as a

Substitutes "diligent" with "painstaking", highlighting thoroughness and attention to detail.

as meticulous as a

Replaces "diligent" with "meticulous", emphasizing precision and accuracy.

as dedicated as a

Replaces "diligent" with "dedicated", focusing on commitment and devotion.

as earnest as a

Substitutes "diligent" with "earnest", highlighting sincerity and seriousness.

as persevering as a

Replaces "diligent" with "persevering", focusing on persistence and determination.

as studious as a

Highlights a dedication to learning and careful study habits.

as watchful as a

Emphasizes careful observation and proactive behavior.

FAQs

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

Use "as diligent as a" to compare someone's level of diligence to a well-known example. For instance, you might say, "She is "as diligent as a scholar" in her research".

What phrases are similar to "as diligent as a"?

Similar phrases include "as hardworking as a", "as conscientious as a", or "as thorough as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "as diligent as a"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "as assiduous as a" or "as meticulous as a" to convey a similar meaning with a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "as diligent as a" and "as careful as a"?

"As diligent as a" emphasizes persistent and thorough effort, while "as careful as a" highlights attention to detail and the avoidance of mistakes. Diligence focuses on consistent effort, whereas carefulness centers on precision and accuracy. Choose the phrase that best aligns with the specific quality you wish to emphasize.