be as quick as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be as quick as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of one thing or person to another, often in a simile format. Example: "You need to be as quick as a cheetah if you want to catch the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Tours can be as quick as five to seven minutes.

The New York Times

"I want his adaptation to be as quick as possible, but without forcing anything.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it can be as quick as a day to three days.

The New York Times

You should be as quick as is reasonably comfortable for you.

The New York Times

"Be as quick as you can, dear fellow, we've got to make a start".

The Guardian

The tunes might be as quick as epigrams or stubbornly deliberate.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

He's as quick as they come.

The New York Times - Sports

He is as quick as any player on the tour.

The New Yorker

And his agile body is as quick as his wit.

The New York Times - Arts

"As quick as it happens to you is as quick as you shut it down.

The New York Times - Sports

And almost two decades later, his ascent was as quick as it was unexpected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be as quick as", ensure the comparison is clear and relatable to the audience. For example, "be as quick as a cheetah" is more vivid than "be as quick as possible".

Common error

Avoid using "be as quick as" with vague or undefined comparisons. Saying something should "be as quick as it can be" lacks impact; specify what it's being compared to for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be as quick as" functions as a comparative phrase, used to describe the speed or efficiency of something by relating it to a known standard. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be as quick as" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase that emphasizes the need for speed or efficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to draw a relatable comparison, enhancing clarity and impact. While "be as quick as possible" is acceptable, specifying the comparison to a known entity often makes the statement more vivid. When crafting content, choose appropriate alternatives like "be as fast as" or "be as speedy as" depending on the nuance intended. Avoid vague comparisons for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be as fast as

Replaces 'quick' with 'fast', offering a direct synonym with minimal semantic change.

be as speedy as

Substitutes 'quick' with 'speedy', providing a slightly more informal synonym.

be as rapid as

Replaces 'quick' with 'rapid', suggesting a sense of urgency or swiftness.

be as swift as

Uses 'swift' instead of 'quick', implying elegance and efficiency in speed.

move with the speed of

Rephrases the comparison to focus on the action of moving quickly.

operate with the rapidity of

Changes the structure to emphasize the process being rapid.

react as quickly as

Focuses on the speed of reaction, rather than general quickness.

respond with the swiftness of

Emphasizes the speed of response, implying promptness.

be prompt like

Alters the structure to highlight promptness as a key attribute.

be expeditious as

Uses 'expeditious', suggesting efficient and speedy action.

FAQs

What does "be as quick as" mean?

The phrase "be as quick as" is used to describe the speed or efficiency of someone or something, often comparing it to another entity known for its quickness. It implies a need for swiftness or rapid action.

How can I use "be as quick as" in a sentence?

You can use "be as quick as" to compare speeds. For example: "You need to "be as fast as" lightning to win this race" or "The response should "be as speedy as" possible."

What are some alternatives to "be as quick as"?

Alternatives include "be as fast as", "be as speedy as", "be as rapid as", or "be as swift as". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be as quick as possible" or to specify the comparison?

While "be as quick as possible" is acceptable, specifying the comparison (e.g., "be as quick as a fox") provides a more vivid and understandable image for the reader. The comparative version improves understanding.