as good as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as good as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare something to a standard of quality, often implying that it is equivalent to something else that is considered good or desirable. Example: "This new smartphone is as good as a top-of-the-line model, offering all the features you need at a lower price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Tis as good as a lord".

The Economist

"He's as good as a professor.

The New Yorker

As good as A Clockwork Orange?

The Guardian - Books

That's as good as a birdie!

The Guardian - Sport

But security is only as good as a user's password.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's as good as a Cindy, Serranoo said.

The New Yorker

A cloak was as good as a dagger.

The New Yorker

Perhaps, sometimes, a rest is as good as a rest.

Independent

Almost as good as a podium moment, then.

Independent

Twice as good as a 16-year-old?

The Washington Post

That's as good as a country discovering oil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as good as a" to draw a direct comparison, highlighting that something nearly meets the standard of something else well-regarded. For example: "This budget laptop is as good as a more expensive model for basic tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "as good as a" when something is superior, not just equivalent. Saying "This new software is as good as a professional tool" is misleading if it actually surpasses it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as good as a" functions as a comparative, used to equate the quality or effectiveness of one thing to another. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates that something nearly meets the standard of the item it's being compared to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as good as a" is a common and correct comparative phrase used to express near equivalence in quality or effectiveness. As verified by Ludwig, it is acceptable for general use and functions to associate a subject positively with a specific, understood standard. It appears frequently in "News & Media" and other authoritative sources, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is accurate and avoid overstating the quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually equivalent to a

Emphasizes the practical equivalence, even if not perfectly identical.

practically the same as a

Focuses on the functional similarity.

almost identical to a

Highlights a very close resemblance.

tantamount to a

Suggests that the two things are equal in effect or value.

effectively equivalent to a

Highlights the result or outcome being the same.

just about equal to a

Indicates a near-equal status.

comparable to a

Points out that the items are similar and worthy of comparison.

on par with a

Implies an equal level of quality or performance.

in the same league as a

Suggests a similar level of excellence or competence.

can hold a candle to a

Implies a comparable level of value or standing.

FAQs

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

Use "as good as a" to compare something favorably to a known standard. For example, "This homemade meal is "as good as a" restaurant dish".

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

You can use alternatives like "virtually equivalent to a", "practically the same as a", or "almost identical to a" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as good as" instead of "as good as a"?

While "as good as" is grammatically correct and often used, adding "a" typically introduces a specific reference point for comparison. The choice depends on whether you're comparing to a general quality or a specific item.

What's the difference between "as good as a" and "better than a"?

"As good as a" indicates equivalence in quality, while "better than a" indicates superiority. Use "as good as a" when something meets a certain standard and "better than a" when it exceeds it.