as nimble as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as nimble as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare someone's agility or quickness to that of something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The dancer moved across the stage as nimble as a cat, captivating the audience with her grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're just not as nimble as you used to be.

The New York Times - Sports

"We need to be as nimble as the markets.

The Economist

I'm not quite as nimble as I once was.

The New York Times - Sports

Multinationals, with their huge payrolls and sprawling operations, are not as nimble as the younger upstarts.

The New York Times

Bear in mind that you may not be as nimble as a luggage-vaulting O.J. Simpson.

The New York Times

Then, too, a giant corporation might not be as nimble as a smaller one.

The New York Times

The batting of Nicholas Felix was as quick and as nimble as his mind.

The Guardian - Sport

A spider as nimble as Charlotte A. Cavatica started to traverse the gathers.

The New York Times - Travel

As for the cornerning, we seemed to be about as nimble as a Routemaster bus.

The Guardian - Travel

His actual finger technique may not be as nimble as it once was.

The New York Times - Arts

André's singing has never been as nimble as his rapping, but here it is appealing and shouty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as nimble as" to vividly compare someone's or something's agility to a well-known example, enhancing the imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "as nimble as" to describe abstract concepts that don't relate to physical agility or quickness. It's more suitable for describing physical movements, strategies, or processes that require dexterity or rapid adaptation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as nimble as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a quality (nimbleness) and compares it to a reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as nimble as" is a common and grammatically sound comparative phrase used to describe agility and quickness. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to vividly compare someone's or something's agility to a well-known example. While versatile, it's best used to describe concrete actions or adaptable strategies, avoiding misapplication to abstract concepts. Alternatives like "as agile as", "as quick as", and "as deft as" offer nuanced substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as agile as

Replaces "nimble" with "agile", emphasizing grace and coordination.

as quick as

Focuses on speed and swiftness rather than overall agility.

as deft as

Highlights skill and expertise in movement.

as spry as

Suggests lively and energetic movement, often despite age or limitations.

as lithe as

Emphasizes flexibility and gracefulness in movement.

as responsive as

Highlights the ability to react quickly and effectively.

as flexible as

Highlights the ability to adapt to change or new situations.

as skillful as

Emphasizes expertise and proficiency in performing tasks.

as adroit as

Highlights cleverness and resourcefulness in handling situations.

as fleet-footed as

Specifically refers to quickness of feet and swiftness in running.

FAQs

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

Use "as nimble as" to compare the agility or quickness of something to something else, for instance, "The company needs to be "as nimble as" a startup to compete effectively".

What are some alternatives to "as nimble as"?

You can use alternatives like "as agile as", "as quick as", or "as deft as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as nimble as"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the agility, dexterity, or responsiveness of someone or something, often in comparison to a known example of these qualities.

What does "as nimble as" mean?

It means possessing a high degree of agility, quickness, and dexterity, often used to draw a comparison to something known for these qualities.