as flat as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as flat as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a simile to describe something that is completely flat or lacking in elevation. Example: "The tire was as flat as a pancake after driving over the sharp object."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over all, the Fakahatchee is as flat as a cracker.

The New Yorker

The landscape is as flat as a dinner plate.

The Guardian

The water is as flat as a lake.

The Guardian - Travel

"You're not going to find a street that's as flat as a runway".

The New York Times - Sports

The top of the cookie is as flat as a wafer.

The New York Times

Majuli is as flat as a chapati, making it perfect for exploring by bicycle.

The Guardian - Travel

Beyond that, Mr Nice is as flat as a slept-on roach.

Independent

"Last year it was as flat as a table," Murray said.

The New York Times - Sports

But most of the evening is as flat as a chapati.

The Guardian

Thanks to the Turkish dams, the Tigris seems as flat as a lake, which is fortunate.

The New York Times

(Variety predicted that its commercial prospects would be "as flat as a stick of Doublemint gum").

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as flat as a" to vividly describe surfaces or objects lacking any unevenness or elevation. Tailor the object of comparison (e.g., pancake, board, map) to best suit the context and audience for maximum impact.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on the phrase "as flat as a" can make your writing predictable. Consider using more descriptive language or less common similes to add originality and flair.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as flat as a" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison and emphasize the levelness or lack of variation in something. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies nouns, creating vivid descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as flat as a" is a widely used simile to describe something exceptionally level or lacking in variation. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in News & Media. The examples in Ludwig reveal that it's versatile, applicable to diverse subjects from landscapes to emotions. While effective, remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid predictability in your writing, and to make your message compelling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as smooth as glass

This alternative conveys a sense of perfect smoothness, using glass as the point of comparison.

perfectly even

Emphasizes uniformity and lack of bumps or irregularities.

completely level

Focuses on the absence of slopes or inclines.

uniformly smooth

Highlights the consistent texture and lack of roughness.

on a flat plane

Describes something on a 2-dimensional surface

without any undulation

Stresses the absence of waves or curves.

lies horizontally

Describes something positioned on a flat plane

devoid of curvature

Emphasizes the lack of any curves

at the same level

It emphasizes the uniformity of height

as even as possible

Highlights the effort to achieve flatness.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as flat as a" is used to describe something that has a level and even surface. For example: "The table was "as flat as a" board, perfect for playing cards."

What are some alternatives to "as flat as a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "perfectly even", "completely level", or "uniformly smooth".

Is it correct to say "as flat as an" instead of "as flat as a"?

No, the correct form is "as flat as a". The article 'a' is used because the following noun generally starts with a consonant sound. Using "an" would be grammatically incorrect in most cases with this phrase.

What does it mean when something is described as "as flat as a pancake"?

When something is described as "as flat as a pancake", it means that it is extremely level and without any significant bumps or curves. It's a common simile used to emphasize the flatness of an object or surface.