as smart as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as smart as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in comparisons to describe someone or something as being very intelligent, often followed by a noun that represents a clever animal or person. Example: "She solved the complex problem quickly, proving she was as smart as a whip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Later he remarks, "Smartest dog is as smart as a three-year-old kid".

The New York Times - Books

And Valextra has responded with bags as smart as a modern phone.

The New York Times

It's not as smart as a human being on the ground".

The New York Times - Travel

Goldman Sachs wanted to be as smart as a hedge fund.

The Economist

She states that, today, machines are not as smart as a two-year-old child.

The Guardian

There one of his friends told him, "You can't be as smart as a white guy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The late Sadie and Bessie Delany found world fame as smart-as-a-whip centenarians with their best-selling book "Having Our Say".

The New York Times

If I know that by stealing a car I will go to prison if I get caught, that doesn't make me as smart as an attorney...that only means that I have enough knowledge of law to keep myself out of trouble.

Huffington Post

I learned the hard way that going stoop to stoop in Washington Heights asking for a "Hispanic" host is about as smart as soliciting a cheerful tap dance from some colored fellows in Bed-Stuy.

Vice

And the new house is as smart as she is: a modern, executive-style residence built on a small plot behind the police station with a view over the river and the soft Scottish hills beyond.

The Guardian - Music

"O.K., here's my quote: Hopefully she'll be as smart as Scott Rudin in a skirt," Ms. Siegal said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as smart as a", ensure the comparison is clear and the reference point (e.g. a person, animal, or object) is easily understood by your audience. For instance, "as smart as a whip" is a common idiom, but using a less familiar comparison might confuse readers.

Common error

While comparisons like "as smart as a fox" or "as smart as a whip" are widely understood, overuse can make your writing seem unoriginal. Try to come up with fresh, contextually relevant comparisons to make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as smart as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that someone or something possesses a level of intelligence comparable to a specific reference point. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use in making comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as smart as a" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to describe someone or something possessing a level of intelligence comparable to a specified reference. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While commonly used comparisons like "as smart as a whip" are readily understood, consider using fresh, contextually relevant alternatives to enhance your writing's originality. Remember that clarity and relevance are crucial when using this phrase to ensure your comparison is easily grasped by your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally intelligent as a

Replaces "smart" with "intelligent" and maintains the comparative structure.

just as astute as a

Substitutes "smart" with "astute", emphasizing quick-wittedness.

every bit as clever as a

Emphasizes the degree of cleverness being equal.

comparably ingenious to a

Replaces "smart" with "ingenious", highlighting inventiveness.

as sharp as a

Uses "sharp" instead of "smart", focusing on mental acuity.

on par intellectually with a

Formal alternative indicating equal intellectual ability.

matches the brilliance of a

Highlights the level of brilliance as being equivalent.

possesses the same wit as a

Focuses on wit as the measure of intelligence.

is no less brainy than a

Informal alternative conveying equal intelligence.

bears a similar intellect to a

Formal alternative expressing comparable intellectual capacity.

FAQs

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

You can use "as smart as a" to compare someone's intelligence to a well-known standard. For example, "She's "as smart as a whip", solving problems quickly and efficiently."

What's a good alternative to "as smart as a"?

Alternatives include "equally intelligent as a", "just as astute as a", or "every bit as clever as a". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as smart as" without the "a"?

While "as smart as" can be grammatically correct in different contexts, the phrase "as smart as a" typically requires a noun after the 'a' to complete the comparison (e.g., "as smart as a student" or "as smart as a computer").

What's the difference between "as smart as a genius" and "as intelligent as a genius"?

The difference is subtle. "Smart" often implies practical intelligence and quick-wittedness, while "intelligent" suggests a broader capacity for learning and understanding. Both "as smart as a genius" and "as intelligent as a genius" are correct and imply a very high level of mental ability.