as fine as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fine as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something to a high standard of quality or excellence, often followed by a noun that completes the simile. Example: "The dress she wore to the gala was as fine as a silk gown."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Gauges look as fine as a Swiss chronograph.

The New York Times

The line between wild and cultivated mushrooms has become as fine as a herring bone.

The New York Times

Here, the margin between success and failure can be as fine as a single, powerful critic's review.

Independent

Dr. Mass has developed a regional forecasting system that resolves details on a four-kilometer grid and has experimented with resolutions as fine as a half-kilometer.

The New York Times - Tech

"The whole point is to whip as much air in there and make the ice as fine as a white sand beach".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

For the first time grains as fine as 200 nm were produced through a traditional diffusional transformation of austenite to ferrite.

Acta Materialia

He came to bat a few minutes later and looked as fine as an American League pitcher can look with a bat in his hands.

The New York Times

"When you get down to a result as fine as that, a couple of dozen votes either way may [change the result]," he said.

The Guardian

Page thicknesses varied from 0.28mm to as fine as 0.03mm, a measure that makes the term "paper-thin" meaningless.

The Guardian

For example, Von Trapp's girlfriend, the delectable Baroness Schraeder, steps aside far too easily to make way for Maria when, in reality, no woman would give up a man as fine as him without a catfight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as fine as a", ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant. Choose a noun that aptly illustrates the desired level of quality or refinement.

Common error

Avoid using "as fine as a" with nouns that do not clearly convey a sense of high quality or precision. For example, saying something is "as fine as a rock" doesn't effectively communicate the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fine as a" functions as a comparative construction, specifically a simile, used to describe the high quality or degree of something by likening it to another object or concept known for its excellence. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as fine as a" is a comparative simile used to emphasize the high quality or precision of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Though the phrase itself is versatile, its effectiveness relies on choosing a comparison noun that clearly illustrates the intended quality. While the contexts can vary, using authoritative sources and clear comparisons will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as exquisite as a

Replaces "fine" with "exquisite", emphasizing a higher degree of beauty or artistry.

as delicate as a

Substitutes "fine" with "delicate", focusing on fragility or intricacy.

as excellent as a

Replaces "fine" with "excellent", providing a more general comparison of quality.

as good as a

Offers a simpler and more direct comparison of quality, using "good" instead of "fine".

as choice as a

Replaces "fine" with "choice", suggesting something specially selected or of superior quality.

as superior as a

Substitutes "fine" with "superior", implying a higher rank or position.

as remarkable as a

Replaces "fine" with "remarkable", highlighting the noteworthiness of something.

as polished as a

Substitutes "fine" with "polished", focusing on refinement and lack of flaws.

as skilled as a

Replaces "fine" with "skilled", which is used when describing a person's talent.

as impressive as a

Replaces "fine" with "impressive", suggesting something evokes admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "as fine as a" to compare something to a standard of quality or excellence. For example, "The craftsmanship was "as fine as a" Swiss watch".

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

Alternatives include "as exquisite as a", "as delicate as a", or "as excellent as a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as fine as a" and "as good as a"?

"As fine as a" generally implies a higher level of refinement or precision compared to "as good as a", which is a more general comparison of quality.

When is it appropriate to use "as fine as a" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the superior quality or precision of something by comparing it to a well-known example of excellence. For instance, "Her embroidery was "as fine as a" tapestry from the Renaissance".