as neat as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as neat as possible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the importance of tidiness or organization in a particular task or situation. Example: "Please arrange the documents as neat as possible before submitting them for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

To make the increases and decreases as neat as possible try purling into the back of the loop on the following row.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If necessary, lightly flour the worktop again, and the rolling pin if necessary, then roll out the square away from you into a 40cm long rectangle – make sure that the edges are as neat as possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When they ask what's wrong, your choices are these: You can pause, take a few deep breaths, and explain to your mother-in-law that while you truly appreciate the time she took to crochet the abomination she's calling a baby blanket, it is very important that your home be as neat as possible, and a tangle of scratchy, pink acrylic yarn does not have a place in it.

The New Yorker

Make sure your staff look as neat as possible and remind them to smile for customers.

Forbes

If you and your spouse must go to court, try to keep things as neat as possible and avoid getting trapped in an endless cycle of litigation.

Forbes

Instead, try cleaning excess material from your tables and keep them looking as neat as possible.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Still, as neat as the project is, it's very possible that by shining a light on all of these films lurking on YouTube Mikhail is actually making them (and potentially event Pegleg itself) a more prominent target for copyright takedowns.

TechCrunch

Be as neat as you can.

WikiHow

Always keep your notes as neat and as organized as possible to make things easier when you go to revise.

WikiHow

No matter the season, make the landscaping as inviting and neat as possible.

HuffPost

Just look as preppy and neat as possible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on a task, use "as neat as possible" to clearly communicate the expectation for a tidy and well-organized result.

Common error

Avoid using "as neat as possible" in situations where precision or functionality is more important than aesthetics. Overemphasizing neatness can sometimes lead to wasted time or reduced efficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as neat as possible" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb by describing the manner in which an action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, emphasizing a desired level of tidiness or order.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as neat as possible" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the importance of tidiness and order in various contexts. Ludwig AI validates this by showcasing its usage across diverse sources, including how-to guides and news articles. While synonyms like "as tidy as possible" and "as orderly as possible" offer viable alternatives, the key takeaway is to ensure that the emphasis on neatness aligns with the overall goals of the task at hand, avoiding overemphasis when other factors are more crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tidy as possible

Replaces "neat" with the synonym "tidy", maintaining the same meaning.

as orderly as possible

Substitutes "neat" with "orderly", shifting the focus slightly towards systematic arrangement.

in the neatest way possible

Emphasizes the method or manner in which something is done neatly.

as precise as possible

Changes the focus to accuracy and exactness instead of general tidiness.

with maximum neatness

Restructures the phrase to use a noun form of "neat" and emphasizes the quality of being neat.

as carefully as possible

Shifts the emphasis to attentiveness and caution in performing an action.

striving for utmost neatness

Uses more formal language to convey the pursuit of the highest degree of neatness.

with as much attention to neatness as possible

Highlights the level of care and focus dedicated to achieving neatness.

being as meticulous as possible

Focuses on being extremely careful and precise in achieving the desired result.

to the best of your ability to be neat

Introduces the idea of capability and effort in achieving neatness.

FAQs

How can I use "as neat as possible" in a sentence?

You can use "as neat as possible" to emphasize the importance of tidiness or organization. For instance: "Please arrange the documents "as neat as possible" before submitting them for review."

What's a synonym for "as neat as possible"?

Alternatives to "as neat as possible" include "as tidy as possible", "as orderly as possible", or "as precise as possible" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to be "as neat as possible"?

While neatness is often desirable, it's not always essential. Prioritize neatness when it enhances clarity, organization, or presentation, but don't let it hinder efficiency or creativity in situations where those qualities are more important.

How does "as neat as possible" differ from "perfectly neat"?

"As neat as possible" implies striving for a high degree of neatness, but allows for some imperfection. "Perfectly neat", on the other hand, suggests an unattainable ideal. The former is more realistic and practical in most situations.