as valuable as gold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as valuable as gold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that holds great worth or importance, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her advice was as valuable as gold during the difficult decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(In 1850, it was about as valuable as gold).

The New Yorker

American novelties -- corn, squash, tobacco and beans -- were as valuable as gold.

The New York Times

For some cultures, he said, they were as valuable as gold.

The New York Times - Science

In 2,000BC Egyptian glass beads were considered as valuable as gold and semi-precious gems, and were traded widely.

The Economist

In 1996 Mr. Khloponin began running Norilsk, which controls vast deposits of copper, nickel and palladium, a precious metal more than twice as valuable as gold.

The New York Times

Besides the herding of livestock, "Summer Pasture" shows yak butter (a wintertime staple), being churned; yak dung gathered in sacks and dried to stoke the winter fire; rope being spun; and the amassing of caterpillar fungus, a new hot commodity used in traditional medicine and considered to be as valuable as gold.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Strausburg said many former players acknowledged her contribution to their lives 15 years later, and that was as valuable as the gold "300" necklace given her that night.

Los Angeles Times

An oil company working on a pipeline off the coast of Norway recently made a discovery maybe as valuable as the liquid gold: a sunken Nazi submarine.

Huffington Post

These tiny villages lie in what might be called the Salt Belt of Brittany -- the area that was highly profitable in the Middle Ages when this "white gold" was as valuable as coal was in the 19th century or as oil is today.

The New York Times - Magazine

But that gold is nowhere near as valuable as what's being guarded by the private contractors at Y-12.

The New Yorker

Our music is as valuable as theirs.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as valuable as gold" to emphasize the significant worth or importance of something, especially in contexts where a clear comparison to a universally recognized valuable substance enhances the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "as valuable as gold" in situations where literal monetary value is the primary concern. The phrase is most effective when highlighting intangible qualities or metaphorical significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as valuable as gold" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by attributing to it a high degree of value, drawing a comparison with gold, a universally recognized precious metal. Ludwig AI indicates that it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as valuable as gold" is an adjective phrase used to emphasize the significant worth or importance of something, drawing a direct comparison to the universally recognized value of gold. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used across various contexts, although overuse in literal financial discussions should be avoided. While alternatives like "worth its weight in gold" or "invaluable" exist, "as valuable as gold" remains a potent way to highlight that something is prized or indispensable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Worth its weight in gold

This alternative emphasizes the high monetary or material value of something.

Priceless

This term suggests that something is so valuable that it cannot be bought or sold.

Invaluable

Similar to priceless, this highlights the extreme usefulness and importance of something.

Highly prized

Focuses on the desirability and the act of valuing something greatly.

Extremely precious

Emphasizes the rarity and emotional value attached to something.

Of great worth

A more formal way of expressing high value or importance.

A treasure

Implies something is cherished and highly regarded, like a hidden treasure.

A real asset

Highlights the usefulness and positive contribution of something.

Immensely beneficial

Focuses on the positive impact and advantages provided by something.

Utterly indispensable

Stresses the necessity and essential nature of something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "as valuable as gold"?

It means that something is considered to be extremely precious, important, or useful, similar to the high value associated with gold.

Can I use "as valuable as gold" in a formal setting?

Yes, "as valuable as gold" can be used in formal settings, but consider alternatives like "of great worth" or "invaluable" for a more sophisticated tone if necessary.

Are there any situations where I shouldn't use "as valuable as gold"?

Avoid using "as valuable as gold" in contexts where a literal monetary comparison is needed, as it's more effective for conveying metaphorical value or importance.

What are some other ways to say something is "as valuable as gold"?

You could use phrases like "worth its weight in gold", "priceless", or "highly prized" to express similar ideas.