as fine as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fine as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make comparisons, often in a positive context, to describe something of high quality or excellence. Example: "Her performance was as fine as any I have ever seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jennifer Tipton's lighting design is as fine as usual.

The New York Times - Arts

An ultra-defensive Portugal were outplayed but again the margin was as fine as could be.

Independent

"He's as fine as can be at his age - and handsome.

BBC

Is fashion as fine as art?

The New York Times

antartic miles, temperature changes as fine as a 20th degree.

The New Yorker

Sand as fine as moondust posed a brownout hazard.

The New Yorker

Some were sheer and delicate, as fine as lace.

The New York Times - Food

Gauges look as fine as a Swiss chronograph.

The New York Times

The food is as fine as the fixtures.

The New Yorker

And the performances are often as fine as the setting.

The New York Times

For even if first class wasn't as fine as I'd hoped, it still wasn't coach.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as fine as", ensure that the comparison is clear and adds meaningful context to the sentence. For example, "Her craftsmanship is as fine as that of a master artisan" is more impactful than simply saying "Her craftsmanship is as fine as possible."

Common error

Avoid using "as fine as" without a clear reference point for comparison. Saying "The wine was as fine as…" leaves the reader wondering what it's being compared to. Instead, provide a specific comparison, such as "The wine was as fine as a vintage Bordeaux."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fine as" functions primarily as a comparative, used to express that something possesses a quality to a degree that is equal to or comparable with something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as fine as" is a versatile comparative used to indicate that something is of equal or similar quality to another thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, especially in News & Media. While it is generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure that the comparison is clear and provides meaningful context. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "comparable to" or "on par with". Understanding the nuances and appropriate usage of "as fine as" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as good as

Replaces "fine" with a more general term for quality.

as excellent as

Substitutes "fine" with a stronger descriptor of quality.

comparable to

Uses a different structure to indicate similarity in quality.

on par with

Emphasizes equality in quality or performance.

as superior as

Implies that the first element is better or of higher quality.

matches in quality

Highlights that two elements have equal quality.

equal to in finesse

Focuses specifically on the finesse or refinement aspect.

as exquisite as

Replaces "fine" with a more sophisticated adjective.

reaches the standard of

Indicates that something attains a specific level of quality.

is as polished as

Highlights the refined nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "as fine as" to compare something's quality to something else. For example, "The sand was "as fine as sugar"" or "The craftsmanship is "as fine as any" I've seen."

What's a good alternative to "as fine as"?

Alternatives include "as good as", "as excellent as", or "comparable to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as fine as" formal or informal?

"As fine as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "comparable to" for very formal writing.

What does it mean when someone says something is "as fine as frog hair"?

The expression "as fine as frog hair" is an idiom that means something is very good, attractive, or of high quality. It's an informal and often humorous way to express admiration.