as quick as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as quick as a" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in similes to compare the speed or agility of someone or something to that of a quick animal. Example: "She ran as quick as a cheetah, sprinting through the finish line before anyone else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"I hope not," says Winterbottom, as quick as a flash.

Independent

The need came upon him as quick as a pain.

The New Yorker

It's as quick as a normal takeaway, and stays hot.

The Guardian - Tech

"Now it can be as quick as a day to three days.

The New York Times

Then I would just start the race as quick as a sleeping tablet".

The Guardian - Sport

Then, as quick as a flash, the torrent returns, flooding their clubhouse with a layer of surrealism.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

However, huge enterprises are not always well suited to take up the opportunity because they do not move as quick as an SME.

The Guardian

It's not nearly as quick as an iPhone 4 or other Android phones I've tested.

Huffington Post

Elick was quick (but not as quick as an Alaskan -- hey-o!) to point out that some users may also be skewing the results low by pulling out the app to show a friend or partner, and running the clock for only a few seconds.

Huffington Post

The service is not always as quick as at a burger joint but, it seems, quick enough.

The Economist

And if Lydia wants to replace cash, it needs to be as quick as giving a money bill to someone.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as quick as a", ensure the comparison is easily understood by your audience and adds vividness to your writing. Common comparisons include animals known for speed, like a cheetah or a hare.

Common error

Avoid using comparisons that don't logically relate to speed or agility. Saying something is "as quick as a rock" is nonsensical and weakens the simile.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as quick as a" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase used in similes. It draws a parallel between the speed or agility of something and a known fast object or creature, aiming to provide a clearer understanding and create a vivid image in the reader's mind. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as quick as a" is a grammatically correct and common simile used to emphasize speed or agility through comparison. While generally neutral in tone, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is logical and adds clarity to your writing, and avoid using it in highly formal settings. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides numerous examples of this expression in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swiftly like

Employs the adverb 'swiftly' and a simile for describing quickness.

with the speed of

Focuses on the speed aspect directly, omitting the simile structure.

in the blink of an eye

Highlights the instantaneous nature of the action, emphasizing brevity.

with lightning speed

Uses a specific element (lightning) to emphasize speed, providing a more descriptive image.

as agile as

Shifts the focus from pure speed to agility and nimbleness.

at the velocity of

Emphasizes a scientific or technical perspective on speed.

moving swiftly

Focuses on describing the motion as quick, without a comparison.

at a rapid pace

Highlights the swiftness of a continuous action rather than a single event.

expeditiously

Conveys efficiency and speed in a formal or business context.

with great rapidity

Stresses the quickness with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as quick as a" in a sentence?

Use "as quick as a" to create a vivid comparison emphasizing speed or agility. For example, "He responded "as quick as a flash"" to show how fast he replied.

What's a good alternative to "as quick as a" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using more direct and less figurative language, such as "with great speed" or "expeditiously", instead of "as quick as a".

Is it grammatically correct to say "as quickly as a" instead of "as quick as a"?

While "quickly" is the adverbial form of "quick", the phrase "as quick as a" is a standard construction for similes. Using "as quickly as a" is less common and may sound awkward.

When is it appropriate to use "as quick as a" in my writing?

Use "as quick as a" when you want to create a strong, memorable image of speed or agility. It works well in descriptive writing and informal contexts, but avoid it in highly formal or technical writing.