as exacting as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as exacting as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the strictness or demanding nature of something to another entity or standard. Example: "The professor was as exacting as a military drill sergeant when it came to deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He understood the challenge, realizing he would have to be as exact as a bomb technician from the start.

The New York Times - Sports

"While it's not as exact as a certified property appraisal, it can serve to prepare for the unexpected before incurring costs or wasting time".

The New York Times

Yoshimura is as exact as an ethnologist about routine and work.

The New York Times - Books

And anticipating quakes is about as exact as predicting the weather a year out.

The New York Times

It is an arresting autobiographical book with illustrations as exact as embroidery.

The Guardian - Books

His friend the sculptor Barbara Hepworth said, "Dag Hammarskjold had a pure and exact perception of aesthetic principles, as exact as it was over ethical and moral principles.

The New York Times

Make an effort to create illustrations that look as exact as possible.[8].

WikiHow

I'm a bit OCD about my bottling and like to be as exact as possible.

Huffington Post

"I didn't want to get involved in a performance of mimicry, but I did want to be as exact as possible with the Bashir interview because everybody knows and remembers that well".

Huffington Post

In contrast, strategic rules can be as exact as definitory rules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Bacon, whose comic timing is as exact as it is stealthy, is especially adept at such transitions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as exacting as a" when you want to emphasize not only precision but also the strictness or demanding nature of something. Ensure the comparison is apt and easily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as exacting as a" if the comparison is hyperbolic or unrealistic. Overstating the exactness can undermine your credibility. Opt for milder comparisons if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as exacting as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe the degree to which something or someone is precise, strict, or demanding. Ludwig AI's examples show how this phrase is used across various contexts to highlight the rigor involved.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as exacting as a" is a grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize precision, strictness, and high standards. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions to highlight the demanding nature of a subject, though direct examples are currently absent from the dataset. While versatile and suitable for neutral registers, its effectiveness relies on apt comparisons and avoidance of hyperbole. Alternatives like ""as precise as"" or ""as meticulous as"" can offer nuanced emphasis. This phrase is valuable for writers aiming to convey rigor and attention to detail in their descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as precise as

Focuses on accuracy and detail; less on strictness or demanding nature.

as meticulous as

Highlights thoroughness and attention to detail.

as rigorous as

Emphasizes strictness and adherence to standards.

as demanding as

Stresses the high requirements and expectations involved.

as strict as

Implies a firm and uncompromising approach.

as accurate as

Emphasizes correctness and freedom from error.

as thorough as

Focuses on completeness and comprehensiveness.

as careful as

Highlights the attentiveness and caution involved.

as painstaking as

Emphasizes the effort and dedication required.

as scrupulous as

Implies a high degree of ethical and moral exactness.

FAQs

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

You can use "as exacting as a" to compare someone or something to another entity known for its precision and strictness. For instance, "The editor was "as exacting as a surgeon" when reviewing the manuscript."

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

Alternatives include "as precise as", "as meticulous as", or "as rigorous as", depending on the specific aspect of exactness you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "as exacting as a"?

While grammatically correct, "as exacting as a" is most effective when the comparison is meaningful and adds clarity. Avoid using it in contexts where it feels forced or hyperbolic.

What's the difference between "as exacting as a" and "as demanding as a"?

"As exacting as a" focuses more on precision and adherence to standards, whereas "as demanding as a" emphasizes the high expectations and requirements involved. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight accuracy or strictness.