as swift as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as swift as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of something to another object or concept, often in a simile. Example: "The runner was as swift as a gazelle, easily outpacing his competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither Johnson nor Daniel Agger was as swift as Valencia.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Cain's political downfall was as swift as his ascent.

The New York Times

The Senate's fall was as swift as it was surprising.

The New York Times

McIlroy's reply was as swift as it was pertinent.

The Guardian - Sport

Her speech proves as swift as it is friendly.

The New York Times

Indeed, the band's decline was as swift as its rise.

The Guardian - Music

The Barclays response was as swift as it was brutal.

The Guardian

The change has come as swift as a prairie fire.

The New York Times

The authorities' response was as swift as it was predictable: the boys were detained and tortured.

The New Yorker

The Brotherhood's fall from power in the region has been nearly as swift as its rise.

The Economist

Mr. Nafis's seeming turn away from radicalism was as swift as his turn toward it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as swift as" to add emphasis to the speed or quickness of an action or event, particularly when aiming for a slightly more formal or literary tone.

Common error

Avoid using "as swift as" in overly casual settings where simpler alternatives like "as fast as" or "as quick as" would be more appropriate. Reserve it for contexts where a touch of formality or emphasis is desired.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as swift as" is to form a simile, comparing the speed or rapidity of one thing to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as swift as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for comparing the speed of actions or events. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals its common application in News & Media and Sports, indicating a neutral to professional register. While "as fast as" and "as quick as" serve as viable alternatives, "as swift as" offers a more formal nuance. Use it judiciously to emphasize speed and create vivid comparisons, ensuring it aligns with the intended tone and context. The high expert rating underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as quick as

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, focusing on the speed aspect.

as fast as

Similar to "as quick as", emphasizing speed in a straightforward manner.

as rapid as

Implies a high rate of speed or occurrence, often in more formal contexts.

as speedy as

Conveys a sense of haste and efficiency, suitable for various situations.

as expeditious as

Highlights efficiency and promptness, often used in professional or formal contexts.

as nimble as

Focuses on agility and quickness in movement or thought.

as agile as

Similar to "as nimble as", stressing the ability to move or react quickly and easily.

as prompt as

Emphasizes immediacy and lack of delay in action or response.

as immediate as

Stresses the instantaneous nature of a response or event.

as accelerated as

Suggests an increase in speed over time, highlighting the process of becoming faster.

FAQs

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

Use "as swift as" to compare the speed of something to another object or concept. For example, "Her reaction was "as swift as" lightning" compares the speed of her reaction to that of lightning.

What are some alternatives to "as swift as"?

You can use alternatives like "as fast as", "as quick as", or "as rapid as" depending on the context.

Is there a difference in formality between "as swift as" and "as fast as"?

"As swift as" tends to be slightly more formal or literary compared to "as fast as", which is more commonly used in everyday language.

When is it best to use "as swift as" over other similar phrases?

Use "as swift as" when you want to emphasize the speed and efficiency of an action or event, and when a slightly more elevated or formal tone is appropriate.