as reliable as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as reliable as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the reliability of one thing to another, often in a simile format. Example: "This new software is as reliable as the previous version, ensuring consistent performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Introspection is not as reliable as observation.

The New Yorker

They're as reliable as a Skype connection.

The New York Times - Arts

If only control was as reliable as build quality.

The Guardian - Tech

– I'm not as reliable as I first suggested.

The Guardian - Books

For years, the pattern here was as reliable as sunrise.

The New York Times

"ALL women are as reliable as my bible!

The Guardian

The lovable Brit is about as reliable as it gets.

The Guardian - Film

I've found budget seed is as reliable as any other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My internet connection was about as reliable as Charles Kennedy.

The Guardian

(* Warner's memory - not quite as reliable as it once was).

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Your typical Land Rover, one reader wrote, is “as reliable as a drunken house painter.”.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as reliable as", ensure the comparison is easily understood and relatable to your audience. For instance, "as reliable as sunrise" is more effective than "as reliable as a specific technical component" if the audience isn't familiar with that component.

Common error

Avoid comparisons that lack context or are subjective. Saying something is "as reliable as my uncle" may not be universally understood unless your uncle's reliability is well-known or explicitly explained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as reliable as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe the extent to which something can be depended upon by drawing a comparison to another entity or concept known for its dependability. This aligns with the examples Ludwig provides, showcasing its role in assessing trustworthiness or consistency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as reliable as" serves as a comparative adjective to describe the degree of dependability by referencing another entity or concept. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news media. The phrase's effectiveness hinges on the clarity and relevance of the comparison. While versatile, it is essential to ensure the comparison resonates with the audience. The analysis further underscores the importance of providing clear and relatable comparisons to effectively communicate levels of dependability. Related phrases such as "as dependable as" or "as trustworthy as" offer subtle variations for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as reliable as

Adds emphasis while maintaining the same core meaning.

equally reliable to

Indicates comparable reliability without using the 'as...as' structure.

as dependable as

Replaces "reliable" with a synonym emphasizing the ability to be counted on.

as trustworthy as

Substitutes "reliable" with a term that highlights honesty and integrity.

as consistent as

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the reliability.

as predictable as

Highlights the ability to foresee the expected behavior or outcome.

as steadfast as

Emphasizes unwavering loyalty and dependability.

as unwavering as

Highlights the absence of fluctuation in reliability.

as solid as

Uses a metaphor to indicate strong and stable reliability.

on par with for reliability

Uses an idiomatic expression for equivalent reliability.

FAQs

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

Use "as reliable as" to compare the dependability of something to something else. For example, "The bus service is "as reliable as" clockwork."

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

"As reliable as" indicates equal reliability, while "more reliable than" suggests that one thing is more dependable than another. For example, "This car is "as reliable as" my old one," versus "This car is more reliable than my old one."

What can I say instead of "as reliable as"?

You can use alternatives like "as dependable as", "as trustworthy as", or "equally reliable to" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "as reliable as" in formal writing?

While "as reliable as" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more precise or formal term like "dependable" or "consistent" might be more appropriate in highly formal contexts. The appropriateness often depends on the specific comparison being made.