as steady as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as steady as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is very stable or consistent in behavior or performance. Example: "Despite the challenges, she remained as steady as a rock throughout the entire project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He is as steady as a rock.

The New York Times - Sports

He answered with a mischievous smile: "He wasn't as steady as a tripod".

The Guardian - Arts

For the last three years, bad news about the music industry has been as steady as a synthesized drumbeat.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Peter Kihss was replicating Bach, assembling his facts in immaculate order, beat as steady as a metronome.

The New York Times - Books

She caught the eyes of an animal and held the light on it for a few seconds, the beam as steady as a military searchlight.

The New Yorker

The 2011 version of the Huskies (14-4, 6-1) looks awfully familiar, piling up victories as steady as a winter drizzle.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Holding the lead this week in the first competitive pro event for women at the home of golf, her hands have been as steady as an engraver's.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're an Amateur painter your hands not be as steady as an average painter.

WikiHow

By Woody Allen As health-food stores go, the Hardened Artery is as steady as any.

The New Yorker

As health-food stores go, the Hardened Artery is as steady as any.

The New Yorker

Well, Italian banks are currently looking about as steady as Luciano Pavarotti riding a Vespa, and the gossip is that Unicredit will have to raise up to €13bn to straighten matters out.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as steady as a", ensure the comparison object is something widely recognized for its stability. For instance, "as steady as a rock" is more effective than "as steady as a leaf".

Common error

Avoid comparing to objects or concepts not inherently associated with steadiness. Saying something is "as steady as a nervous hand" creates a contradictory and confusing image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as steady as a" functions primarily as a simile, used to create a vivid comparison by likening someone or something's stability to another object or concept. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as steady as a" is a grammatically sound and commonly used simile for emphasizing stability and reliability. It functions as a comparative phrase, often used in news, wiki, and science-related contexts, as reflected in the Ludwig examples. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparative object is well-known for its steadiness to enhance clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers alternatives such as "as reliable as a" or "as stable as a" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as reliable as a

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of something.

as stable as a

Highlights the resistance to change or disruption.

as consistent as a

Emphasizes the uniformity and predictability of something.

as unwavering as a

Stresses the firmness and resoluteness of something.

as dependable as a

Similar to reliable but emphasizes the ability to be counted on.

with the stability of a

Rephrases the comparison using a noun phrase.

having the consistency of a

Focuses on the predictable nature of something.

as firm as a

Highlights physical or metaphorical solidity.

as solid as a

Emphasizes the strength and unyielding nature of something.

with the steadfastness of a

Uses a more formal tone to express unwavering commitment.

FAQs

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

Use "as steady as a" to compare something's stability to something else known for its steadiness. For example, "His hand was "as steady as a surgeon" during the delicate operation".

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as reliable as a", "as stable as a", or "as consistent as a" to convey a similar meaning.

What does it mean to be "as steady as a rock"?

To be "as steady as a rock" means to be very reliable, stable, and unchanging, even in the face of challenges or pressure. It implies a sense of unwavering strength and dependability.

Is there a difference between saying "as steady as a" and "as steady as"?

The phrase "as steady as" is often followed by "they come" to indicate someone or something is very reliable or skilled within a certain category, while "as steady as a" is followed by a noun to make a comparison.