as solid as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as solid as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is very strong, reliable, or sturdy, often followed by a noun that completes the simile. Example: "The foundation of the building was as solid as a rock, ensuring its stability for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

She's as solid as a rock — even when she's playing a character with wobbly knees.

The New Yorker

This is about as solid as a tortoise on an F1 racetrack.

The Guardian - Business

"It was a handshake agreement, and it was as solid as a contract".

The New York Times - Arts

Light came in as solid as a wall, blackening the three or four figures walking in.

The New Yorker

The Soviet bloc stretched out to the east, and seemed as solid as a rock.

The Guardian - Books

The Cruiser was as solid as a 1940's Buick and quite likable in every way.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Patterson landed on the mat without a wobble, planted as solid as an oak, with a score of 9.725 as her reward.

The New York Times - Sports

The most interesting thing we saw was a beaver dam — a good five feet high and half again as wide, banked up against a cypress tree — looking every bit as solid as an Allied bunker.

The New York Times - Travel

Even a semi-fit Rioli – though he did look pretty sharp – gives a team as solid as Hawthorn a vital element of unpredictability.

The Guardian - Sport

In theory the concept is as solid as, say, a Steven Spielberg movie starring Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts.

The New York Times

So far, the economies concerned have been almost as solid as, well, a brick.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as solid as a", consider the specific image or quality you want to convey. Choose a noun that reinforces that quality, such as "rock" for unwavering strength or "fortress" for impregnability.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on overused comparisons like "as solid as a rock" in every context. While effective, it can become predictable. Instead, tailor the comparison to the subject, making it more vivid and memorable. For example, "as solid as a bank vault".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as solid as a" functions as a simile, used to draw a comparison and emphasize the strength, reliability, or stability of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and correct construction. The phrase relies on creating a vivid image to illustrate the degree of solidity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as solid as a" is a common and grammatically correct simile used to emphasize the strength, reliability, or stability of a subject. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To maximize its impact, consider the image you want to create and choose a noun that vividly reinforces that quality. While clichéd comparisons should be avoided, the phrase remains a powerful way to convey firmness and dependability in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as dependable as a

Replaces "solid" with "dependable", focusing on reliability rather than physical strength; maintains the simile structure.

as steady as a

Substitutes "solid" with "steady", highlighting stability and consistency.

as stable as a

Replaces "solid" with "stable", emphasizing resistance to change or disruption.

as substantial as a

Changes "solid" to "substantial", implying a significant and reliable presence.

as sturdy as a

Uses "sturdy" instead of "solid", stressing the robustness and ability to withstand pressure.

as reliable as a

Replaces "solid" with "reliable", focusing on the trustworthiness and consistency of something.

as resilient as a

Substitutes "solid" with "resilient", highlighting the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

as strong as a

Changes "solid" to "strong", emphasizing physical power and resistance.

as firm as a

Replaces "solid" with "firm", implying a quality of being unyielding or resolute.

as robust as a

Substitutes "solid" with "robust", highlighting the ability to endure adverse conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "as solid as a" to describe something that is strong, reliable, or stable. For example: "The company's reputation is as solid as a rock", or "Her alibi was as solid as a fortress".

What can I say instead of "as solid as a"?

You can use alternatives like "as dependable as a", "as steady as a", or "as stable as a" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to complete the simile after "as solid as a"?

Yes, to make sense, "as solid as a" needs to be followed by a noun that completes the comparison. Without it, the phrase is incomplete. For instance, "as solid as a house", not just "as solid as a".

What's the difference between "as solid as a rock" and "as firm as a foundation"?

While both imply stability, "as solid as a rock" suggests unwavering strength, while "as firm as a" foundation indicates a stable base upon which something is built.