as rigid as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as rigid as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very inflexible or strict, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The rules were as rigid as a steel beam, leaving no room for interpretation or exceptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But once he makes a decision, he can be as rigid as a bus schedule.

The New York Times

Also appealing were white lace and knit tops, as rigid as a lacquered doily.

The New York Times

Denny Neagle stood as rigid as a Marine in the eighth inning last night as he contemplated his next pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

Weaver was as rigid as a statue and tossed the ball in the air a few times.

The New York Times - Sports

The Swedish sedan is cushy, comforting and undemanding to drive, neither as rigid as a Mercedes E-Class nor as crisp as a BMW 5 Series.

The New York Times

In "The Word," the image is reworked and the figures on the man's hips seem to levitate: they are as rigid as a board, or their characters' thinking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Lilly lands at a higher point on the mound than most pitchers, his body as rigid as an ironing board.

The New York Times - Sports

GM went to great lengths to make the Envoy's truck frame as rigid as Al Gore Al Gore in a presidential debate.

Forbes

Worse, it is very likely that the plans in countries like India and Pakistan are as rigid as those Americans developed a generation ago, and that a collection of misunderstandings might launch a nuclear juggernaut on a course that could not be stopped.

The New York Times - Books

Its history is shaky (some scholars believe that the Odessa Steps massacre never took place), but its politics are as rigid as can be: Here a heroic sailor (Grigory Vakulinchuk, a historical figure played by Aleksandr Antonov) leads the revolt and suffers a Christlike martyrdom, his body laid out in a tent on the Odessa pier, where it becomes a rallying point for the outraged masses.

The New York Times

They are not as rigid as galvanized steel, but this is not a concern unless you do a lot of roof work and lean a ladder against them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as rigid as a", ensure the object you are comparing it to effectively conveys the intended sense of inflexibility or strictness. For example, "The bus schedule was as rigid as a drill sergeant's rules".

Common error

While "as rigid as a" is a valid simile, avoid overusing it in your writing. Too much repetition can make your writing sound uninspired. Vary your descriptions with more creative and less common comparisons to keep your audience engaged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as rigid as a" functions primarily as a simile, comparing the subject to something known for its inflexibility. This type of comparison serves to emphasize the degree of inflexibility of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

13%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as rigid as a" is a common simile used to describe something inflexible or strict. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by sports and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison object effectively conveys the intended meaning. Be mindful of overuse and consider using alternative expressions such as "as stiff as a board" or "as unbending as steel" to add variety to your writing. The phrase serves to emphasize the unyielding nature of the subject being described and is a useful tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stiff as a board

Changes the descriptor to "stiff" and uses "board" as the object for comparison, implying inflexibility.

as inflexible as a rock

Replaces "rigid" with "inflexible" and uses "rock" as the comparison object, highlighting the unyielding nature.

as firm as a statue

Substitutes "rigid" with "firm" and compares to a "statue", suggesting a strong, unmoving presence.

as unbending as steel

Uses "unbending" instead of "rigid" and compares to "steel", emphasizing strength and resistance to change.

as set in stone

An idiomatic expression implying something is permanent and cannot be changed.

as unyielding as iron

Replaces "rigid" with "unyielding" and uses "iron" for comparison, stressing the inability to be bent or influenced.

as immoveable as a mountain

Compares the subject to a mountain, stressing the inability to be moved.

as fixed as the stars

Implies permanence and unchangeability, using "stars" as a point of reference.

as steadfast as an oak

Uses the metaphor of an oak tree to convey strength and resilience to being moved or persuaded.

as resolute as a judge

Suggests a firm and unwavering decision or stance, using "judge" as the object of comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "as rigid as a" to describe something inflexible or strict. For example, "The company's policy on remote work was "as rigid as a" steel bar, allowing no exceptions."

What are some alternatives to using "as rigid as a"?

You can use alternatives such as "as stiff as a board", "as inflexible as a rock", or "set in stone" depending on the desired nuance.

Which is more appropriate, "as rigid as a" or "as strict as a"?

The choice depends on the context. "As rigid as a" typically refers to physical inflexibility or adherence to rules, while "as strict as a" generally emphasizes adherence to rules. For example "My father was "as strict as a disciplinarian"."

What does "as rigid as a" imply?

The phrase "as rigid as a" implies a lack of flexibility and a strong adherence to rules, structures, or physical form. It suggests that something is unyielding and resistant to change. For example, a person's stance on a controversial issue might be "as rigid as a" concrete wall.