as valuable as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as valuable as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the worth or importance of something to another item or concept, emphasizing its value. Example: "This antique vase is as valuable as a family heirloom, cherished for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

You suspect he'd be just as valuable as a traveling companion.

The New York Times - Arts

A 16-year-old's opinion is as valuable as a 60-year-old's".

The Guardian

For 18 years, Susan Shapiro has offered writers a commodity as valuable as a fresh simile.

The New York Times

He notes that common sense is as valuable as a sense of adventure.

The New York Times

Typically, New York's lieutenant governor is about as valuable as a right fielder in Little League.

The New York Times

That's simply a reality in today's N.F.L. – a top running back can never be as valuable as a top quarterback.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

That's at least as valuable as an ad, to an advertiser.

The New York Times

In the world of high-stakes athletics, an imagined slight is just as valuable as an actual slight.

The New York Times

Overawed by Holt, he invited her to join; she proved that she was as valuable as an organiser and fundraiser as she was on stage.

The Guardian

Put another way, an audience of 200,000 people you know intimately might be as valuable as an amorphous mass of 20 million.

The New York Times - Magazine

A certificate might not be as valuable as an M.B.A. from your local university but it could be in 5 to 10 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as valuable as a" to draw a comparison that highlights the significant worth or importance of something by relating it to a commonly understood item or concept. For example, "In a crisis, clear communication is as valuable as a steady hand."

Common error

Avoid using "as valuable as a" when the comparison is illogical or unclear. Ensure that the item being compared is genuinely related to and comparable with the reference object or concept to maintain clarity and impact. Example: Instead of saying "His advice was as valuable as a paperweight," which makes little sense, try "His advice was as valuable as a compass in uncharted territory."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as valuable as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to equate the worth or significance of one thing to another. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting the perceived equivalence between different entities or qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as valuable as a" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to emphasize the worth or significance of something by comparing it to a well-understood and valued item or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in news media, science, and general writing, serving to equate the value of different entities or qualities. When writing, ensure the comparison is logical and enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "as precious as a" or "as important as a" can offer nuanced emphasis, and you should consider the register and context to pick up the best alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as precious as a

Replaces "valuable" with "precious", emphasizing emotional or sentimental worth.

as important as a

Substitutes "valuable" with "important", focusing on significance or consequence.

as vital as a

Replaces "valuable" with "vital", highlighting essentiality or necessity.

as useful as a

Changes "valuable" to "useful", stressing practical applicability or serviceability.

as beneficial as a

Replaces "valuable" with "beneficial", emphasizing positive impact or advantage.

as significant as a

Changes "valuable" to "significant", focusing on the noteworthiness or importance of something.

as worthwhile as a

Replaces "valuable" with "worthwhile", emphasizing the merit or justification of effort.

as advantageous as a

Substitutes "valuable" with "advantageous", highlighting the benefits and favorable position it provides.

comparable in value to a

Restructures the phrase to focus on comparing value directly, rather than using "as".

on par with a

Uses an idiomatic expression meaning "equal to" in terms of value or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "as valuable as a" to compare the worth or importance of something to a well-known or appreciated item. For example, "Her experience is "as valuable as a" degree in this field" indicates her experience is highly beneficial.

What phrases are similar to "as valuable as a"?

Alternatives to "as valuable as a" include "as precious as a", "as important as a", or "as vital as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically acceptable, omitting the "a" typically requires adjusting the sentence structure to compare to a general concept rather than a specific item. For instance, "Honesty is as valuable as loyalty" is correct, but requires a plural or non-specific comparison. Using "as valuable as a" introduces a specific exemplar for comparison.

What's the difference between "as valuable as a" and "more valuable than a"?

"As valuable as a" implies equality in worth or importance, while "more valuable than a" indicates superiority. For example, "His skills are "as valuable as a" certification" means they are equally beneficial. "His skills are more valuable than a certification" means his skills offer greater benefit.