as strict as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as strict as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is very strict or rigid in their rules or behavior, often followed by a noun that completes the simile. Example: "The teacher was as strict as a drill sergeant, ensuring that all students followed the rules without exception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This copy protection is as strict as a 19th-century schoolmarm.

The New York Times - Tech

Any system where brokerage firms police themselves are not nearly as strict as a third-party regulator operates free from conflicts of interest.

The Washington Post

The formula here is as strict as a sonnet: four contestants open mystery baskets, find four ingredients, and improvise dishes on deadline.

The New Yorker

Bissinger's sweeping if sometimes baggy and overwrought dispatch from what — for most readers — was a strange land established rules that are nearly as strict as a sonnet's.

The New York Times - Books

Notably, this is not as strict as a proportionality standard, which would require that each party's voters obtain a share of seats in proportion to the party's vote share.

The Washington Post

Maybe, she wondered aloud as she walked by M.S. 320 yesterday morning, it simply meant that M.S. 320 would adopt a discipline policy as strict as a parochial school's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the government has just introduced new pollution standards for coal plant technology – as strict as any in the world.

The Guardian

I'm as strict as any documentary filmmakers get about this.

HuffPost

As is typical in arbitrations, parties are allowed to speak more freely and the rules of evidence are not as strict as in a traditional courtroom.

The New York Times - Sports

Men and women do this separately, though efforts to keep the genders apart don't seem as strict as in a mosque.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not every state's version of the felony murder rule is as strict as Florida's, and a few states, including Hawaii, Kentucky and Michigan, have abolished it entirely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the simile "as strict as a", ensure the comparison is both vivid and appropriate for the context. Choose nouns that clearly illustrate the level of strictness you intend to convey. For instance, "The security was as strict as a military checkpoint" effectively conveys a high level of vigilance.

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons like "as strict as a disciplinarian" without considering the specific nuance you want to communicate. Opt for more original and contextually relevant comparisons to make your writing more engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as strict as a" functions primarily as a simile, a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using 'as' or 'like'. The phrase aims to vividly illustrate the degree of strictness by associating it with a well-known example, which Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as strict as a" is a simile used to emphasize a high level of strictness through comparison. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and primarily found in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like ""as rigid as a"" or ""as harsh as a"" exist, choosing the right noun for the simile is crucial for conveying the precise meaning. While acceptable in most contexts, formal writing might benefit from more direct expressions. Be mindful of cliché comparisons and consider more original alternatives for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as rigid as a

Replaces "strict" with "rigid", emphasizing inflexibility.

as harsh as a

Replaces "strict" with "harsh", suggesting severity and unpleasantness.

as severe as a

Replaces "strict" with "severe", highlighting the intensity and seriousness.

as exacting as a

Replaces "strict" with "exacting", focusing on the demand for precision and accuracy.

as stern as a

Replaces "strict" with "stern", emphasizing a severe and uncompromising attitude.

as rigorous as a

Replaces "strict" with "rigorous", emphasizing thoroughness and adherence to standards.

as firm as a

Replaces "strict" with "firm", suggesting resolute and unwavering adherence.

as tough as a

Replaces "strict" with "tough", emphasizing resilience and uncompromising nature.

as austere as a

Replaces "strict" with "austere", highlighting simplicity, severity and lack of adornment.

as unyielding as a

Emphasizes the uncompromising and inflexible nature, similar to "strict".

FAQs

How can I effectively use "as strict as a" in a sentence?

Use "as strict as a" to create a vivid simile that emphasizes the severity or rigidity of a person, rule, or situation. For example, "The regulations were "as strict as a" military code."

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

Alternatives include "as rigid as a", "as harsh as a", or "as severe as a", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

The noun you choose significantly impacts the simile's effectiveness. Using "as strict as a schoolmarm" suggests a more traditional and perhaps old-fashioned type of strictness, while "as strict as a drill sergeant" implies a more forceful and disciplined approach.

Is "as strict as a" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience of your writing. In highly formal contexts, you might opt for a more direct and less figurative expression, such as "highly regulated" or "stringently enforced".