as neatly as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as neatly as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the neatness of one action or result to another, often in a simile or descriptive context. Example: "She arranged the books on the shelf as neatly as a librarian would."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will not work as neatly as that.

Independent

But it doesn't coalesce as neatly as this series's earlier installments have.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Garber fits the role as neatly as those silk pajamas fit him.

The New York Times

No modern Presidency follows the arc of classical tragedy as neatly as Johnson's.

The New Yorker

And the little ones will continue to take care of their business as neatly as possible.

The New York Times

Rooney's assessment dovetailed as neatly as his run onto the Johnson cross last night.

Independent

Few of them, however, dress quite as neatly as his grandfather did.

The New York Times - Sports

Diesel, of course, slots into the "Fast and Furious" films as neatly as a dipstick.

The New Yorker

Spoon half the batter into one side of the cake pan as neatly as possible.

The Washington Post

Bowen then stitches up the Jack Russell as neatly as the seams on a wedding dress.

The Guardian - Money

A typical NFL season does not end as neatly as a scripted television show.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as neatly as", ensure that the comparison is clear and logical. The subject being compared should genuinely exhibit a level of neatness analogous to the reference point.

Common error

Avoid using "as neatly as" in contexts where neatness is irrelevant or doesn't logically connect to the comparison. For example, don't say "He ran as neatly as a race car" since speed, not neatness, is the defining characteristic of a race car.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as neatly as" primarily functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate the degree to which an action or state is performed or exists in a neat manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as neatly as" is a commonly used comparative phrase that highlights a similar degree of neatness between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, with a predominant presence in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is logical and relevant to the described scenario. Alternatives like "as tidily as" or "as precisely as" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. Remember to avoid misusing the comparison in illogical scenarios to ensure clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as tidily as

Replaces "neatly" with "tidily", offering a slight variation in tone while maintaining the core meaning of orderliness.

as precisely as

Shifts the focus to accuracy and exactness, implying a high degree of neatness in execution.

as carefully as

Emphasizes the attention and diligence involved in achieving a neat result.

as methodically as

Highlights the systematic approach used to ensure neatness and order.

as perfectly as

Suggests an ideal standard of neatness, implying flawless execution.

in an orderly fashion

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey a sense of neatness through systematic arrangement.

with meticulous care

Focuses on the thoroughness and attention to detail in achieving a neat outcome.

with precision and care

Highlights both the accuracy and attentiveness required for neatness.

as immaculately as

Conveys a sense of flawless cleanliness and order, elevating the standard of neatness.

in a spick-and-span manner

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize cleanliness and neatness.

FAQs

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

Use "as neatly as" to compare the level of neatness between two subjects. For example, "She folded the laundry "as neatly as" a professional organizer".

What are some alternatives to using "as neatly as"?

You can use alternatives like "as tidily as", "as precisely as", or "as carefully as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "as neatly as possible"?

While "as neatly as possible" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be redundant. The phrase "as neatly as" already implies a high standard of order. However, adding "possible" can emphasize the effort or limitation involved in achieving that neatness.

What's the difference between "as neatly as" and "more neatly than"?

"As neatly as" implies a similar level of neatness to a reference point, while "more neatly than" indicates a higher level of neatness compared to something else. For example, "He packed his suitcase "as neatly as" his wife" suggests they both pack neatly, whereas "He packed more neatly than his wife" indicates he is the neater packer.