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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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as productive as a

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as productive as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's productivity to that of a specific person, object, or concept, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. Example: "She was as productive as a bee in spring, buzzing from one task to another without a moment's rest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This is the gateway to the discretionary energy that multiplies labor productivity: An inspired employee is more than twice as productive as a satisfied employee and more than three times as productive as a dissatisfied employee.

A poorly educated public is hardly as productive as a well-educated one and will generate less in taxes.

News & Media

The New York Times

Given the same tools and the same task, I'm sure a British worker is just as productive as a German one.

Mathews Burwell said the average farm in China was five times as productive as a farm in sub-Saharan Africa, the average Indian farm twice as productive.

News & Media

The Guardian

A factory that makes 1,000 cars a day with 50 workers is twice as productive as a factory that requires 100 workers to do the same job.

They concluded that a woman had to be two and a half times as productive as a man to receive the same rating of competence.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Mr. Ramsey acknowledged that a search of Mr. Condit's apartment now, might not be as productive as an earlier search could have been.

News & Media

The New York Times

Poor education and infrastructure, not to mention enterprise-killing bureaucracy, mean the average Brazilian worker is only a quarter as productive as an American one.

News & Media

The Economist

A machine that requires so much steel and so much labour to manufacture may be twice as productive as an older machine that required the same amount of raw materials and labour in its manufacture.

Put simply, Tindell believes the best and most motivated employees, which he says the store is consistently able to attract, are three times as productive as an average worker.

It didn't seem to me that I had to collect Social Security before I realized that a 70-hour week was nearly as productive as an 80-hour one, and if I couldn't get it all done in either, it certainly wasn't because I was taking too much time off.

News & Media

The New York Times
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as productive as a" to create vivid comparisons, but ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to your audience. For example, "as productive as a beehive" evokes a strong image of industrious activity.

Common error

Avoid using vague or uninspired comparisons with "as productive as a". Instead of saying "as productive as a worker", specify the context: "as productive as a seasoned assembly line worker".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as productive as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to draw a comparison between the productivity of two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly employed. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate the phrase's use in various contexts, from describing employee performance to comparing farm outputs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as productive as a" serves as a versatile comparative phrase, effectively conveying a level of productivity by drawing parallels to a recognizable entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While suitable for various contexts, ensuring clarity and specificity in the comparison will enhance its impact. Remember that, as the analysis indicates, using vivid and relatable comparisons can transform a simple statement into a powerful image in the reader's mind. The phrase is commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, making it a valuable tool for diverse writing scenarios.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as productive as a" is used to compare the productivity of one thing to another. For example, "His morning routine was "as productive as a" well-oiled machine."

What are some alternatives to "as productive as a"?

You can use alternatives such as "equally productive as a", "just as fruitful as a", or "as efficient as a", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as productive as a"?

It's appropriate to use "as productive as a" when you want to emphasize the high level of output or efficiency by drawing a comparison to something else known for its productivity.

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

"As productive as a" indicates an equal level of productivity, while "more productive than a" implies that one is superior in output or efficiency compared to the other.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: