as good as when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as good as when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the quality or state of something to a previous time or condition. Example: "The cake is as good as when I first baked it last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As good as when he started previous seasons?

The New York Times - Sports

"Are they going to be as good as when Peyton is in there?

The New York Times - Sports

Nearly as good as when Mary the Punk left the Square.

The Guardian

For the same input of engine power, her performance is not as good as when she is in deep water.

Ship Design and Performance for Masters and Mates

When trilinear data are used, the optimal fit is not as good as when a direct decomposition method is used.

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

A BEER never tastes as good as when you drag yourself over a hilltop to get it.

The Economist

What is clear is that Bush and Carroll have never been as good as when they were together.

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think the great moments or the great feelings feel as good as when everything comes easy to you".

The New York Times - Sports

Gawker is one of those things which, like neighborhoods, are never as good as when you first discovered them.

The New Yorker

Its lack of consistency and the fact that the machine is never as good as when you first bought it.

The Guardian - Tech

"When I heard the news," she says, "it was almost as good as when I dyed my hair black".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as good as when" to draw a direct comparison between the current quality or state of something and its previous condition, providing context and emphasizing any change or lack thereof. For example: "The service is as good as when it first opened, maintaining its high standards."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the comparison. If you're referring to a past state, ensure the verb tenses align. For instance, instead of saying "It is as good as when it was", maintain consistency by saying "It is as good as when it was originally made", or "It was as good as when it was first introduced".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as good as when" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something by comparing its current state or quality to a previous point in time. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as good as when" is a common and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to equate a present condition with a past one. As validated by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news and media, and science. When using the expression, ensure tense consistency and consider rephrasing for more formal settings with alternatives such as "just as good as it was" or "equally as good as before". Remember to use it to create a direct comparison and provide helpful context regarding the state of comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as good as it was

Emphasizes the equivalence in quality to a previous time. Uses a simpler structure.

equally as good as before

Highlights the equal level of quality compared to a prior state. More formal and explicit.

still as effective as it used to be

Focuses on the continued effectiveness or utility compared to the past. Shifts emphasis to functionality.

remains as high-quality as previously

Emphasizes the sustained high quality over time. More formal and suitable for professional contexts.

no different in quality than before

Indicates that there's been no degradation in quality. More direct and less nuanced.

as excellent as in the past

Uses "excellent" to convey a higher level of quality. Broader temporal reference.

comparable in quality to its earlier state

Highlights the comparability in terms of quality, suggesting a more analytical perspective.

performing as well as it once did

Focuses on performance, indicating a functional aspect. Changes the verb to 'performing'.

holding up as well as it did originally

Emphasizes the aspect of durability and continued quality. Uses a more idiomatic expression.

as pristine as from the outset

Suggests an untouched, original condition. Shifts the focus to the state of being untouched or new.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as good as when" in a sentence?

Alternatives include phrases like "just as good as it was", "equally as good as before", or "still as effective as it used to be", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as good as when"?

Yes, the phrase "as good as when" is grammatically correct. It's used to compare the current quality or state of something to a previous time or condition. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources.

What's the difference between "as good as when" and "as good as before"?

While both phrases indicate a comparison to a past state, "as good as when" often refers to a specific point in time or a particular event. "as good as before" is more general, simply indicating a comparison to a previous, unspecified time.

Can "as good as when" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as good as when" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might opt for a more sophisticated phrase like "remains as high-quality as previously" to maintain a professional tone.