as restless as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as restless as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is very restless or unable to stay still, often followed by a specific noun to complete the simile. Example: "The child was as restless as a bee, buzzing around the room without a moment's pause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were as restless as swallows before a summer rain; and no doubt in time will develop a true vein of prophesy, and will be able, on a fair-seeming afternoon, to sniff out tomorrows easterly.

The New Yorker

When spring fever makes you feel "as restless as willow in a windstorm," you don't sit around analyzing your condition; you get into the groove of the season and move.

The New York Times - Arts

And judging by the traction its seen over a short period of time — going from 0 to 5,000 teams in 60 days — people are still just as restless as ever to find a project management tool that actually works, yet doesn't get in the way.

TechCrunch

This show also includes works that are anomalous even for a style as restless as Klee's.

The New York Times - Arts

She channels aesthetic influence at a pace as restless as the scenes she depicts.

Huffington Post

Romantic confusion and youthful insecurity drive "The Happy Sad," a New York relationship roundelay as restless as the city itself.

The New York Times

The reader is entirely at the mercy of a mind that's as restless as it is resourceful: "And my hut is designed to collapse.

The New York Times - Books

As restless as he is successful, Parcells may already be devising a plan to use Miami's stunning division title as a springboard to his next soul-searching adventure.

The New York Times - Sports

Watching a Downey film, I look at his eyes, as restless as Cary Grant's, listen to his wired delivery, with its hiccups and bass slurs, and follow his easy tacking back and forth between sexual tastes, and I see not just an invincible dread of boredom — the kind that might well be sated by drugs, or by keeping a gun in his truck.

The New Yorker

It may be to our benefit, as the haste to which Topolski must render the spiritual and political leader makes the work bristle with a nervous energy that conveys Gandhi to be as restless as the news coverage of his famous country-wide marches have made him out to be.

Huffington Post

The desert is there, frozen in time; Mr. Fulton, an inventor, photographer and sculptor, is still as restless as sand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as restless as a", choose a noun that vividly illustrates the specific type of restlessness you want to convey. For example, "as restless as a hummingbird" suggests constant, energetic movement, while "as restless as a trapped animal" implies anxiety and a desire to escape.

Common error

Avoid using overly common or cliché comparisons with "as restless as a", such as "as restless as a child". Instead, strive for originality and specificity by choosing a noun that creates a more unique and memorable image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as restless as a" functions as a simile, comparing a subject's state of being to the restlessness associated with a particular noun. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase for creating vivid descriptions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as restless as a" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon simile used to create vivid comparisons. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correctly employed across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. The effectiveness of this simile relies heavily on the choice of noun, which should be carefully selected to accurately and memorably convey the specific nuance of restlessness intended. Avoid clichés and strive for originality to maximize the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as agitated as a

Replaces "restless" with "agitated", emphasizing a state of disturbance and anxiety.

as fidgety as a

Focuses on physical movements indicating nervousness or impatience, rather than a general feeling of unease.

as uneasy as a

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or apprehension, shifting the emphasis from movement to emotional state.

as unsettled as a

Suggests a lack of stability or peace of mind, rather than just physical restlessness.

as jittery as a

Emphasizes nervousness and excitability, often implying a physical manifestation of anxiety.

as wired as a

Suggests a state of high energy or excitement, often due to external stimuli or internal stimulation.

as perturbed as a

Focuses on a feeling of worry or annoyance, rather than physical movement or general unease.

as edgy as a

Highlights a state of tension and irritability, often implying a readiness to react negatively.

as impatient as a

Emphasizes a lack of tolerance for delays or obstacles, shifting the focus to a desire for immediate progress.

as disquieted as a

Suggests a loss of inner peace or tranquility, implying a deeper emotional disturbance than simple restlessness.

FAQs

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

Use "as restless as a" to compare someone or something's inability to stay still to a specific noun. For example, "The traveler was "as restless as a" caged bird before their long-awaited journey".

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

You can use alternatives like "as agitated as a", "as fidgety as a", or "as uneasy as a", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as restless as a"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct simile. The phrase follows the standard structure of "as [adjective] as a [noun]", which is commonly used in English to make comparisons.

How does the choice of noun affect the meaning of "as restless as a"?

The noun you choose significantly impacts the meaning. For instance, ""as restless as a" bubbling brook" suggests gentle, continuous movement, while ""as restless as a" volcano" implies a contained but potentially explosive energy.