nimble like a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nimble like a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is quick and light in movement or action, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The dancer moved nimble like a gazelle across the stage, captivating the audience with her grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He is also charming, funny and nimble, like a boxer.

The Economist

Upgrades of physical infrastructure are not easy and nimble like a software patch or an agile design process.

TechCrunch

With projects like Popify, it's also showing that it can still be nimble like a startup, despite enjoying the status of a more established player.

TechCrunch

But I want to be a small fund [that's] nimble like a boutique [and attracts] startups because we are early stage and work much closer with them," he said.

TechCrunch

You need to be nimble, like a cat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Gandelsman — his ornamentation immaculate and nimble, like sparks in a dark church — was as attentive to the music's broad narrative as to tiny shifts of texture and mood, his tone translucently smooth at one point and with a dusky burr at another.

The New York Times - Arts

Now in its seventh iteration, the SRK (short for "shark," because one road tester likened it to driving a strong and nimble animal, like a shark) fulfills those ambitions.

BBC

We're a small organization, but we're also nimble -- like a speed boat with an ATM on the back.

Huffington Post

Big companies aren't nimble like startups, and that is in some part because they have deep pockets weighing them down.

TechCrunch

When it raised its second fund, founding partner Vinnie Lauria told us that Golden Gate had found its match at early-stage investing and it will remain lean and nimble like the companies it backs.

TechCrunch

Plankers and Miller say VMware's virtualization software has saved them money and made their data centers more nimble; Miller likes the fact that when a hurricane is approaching company headquarters he can "drag and drop a virtual machine from Houston to Arkansas" and not worry about a physical computer server being damaged by wind or rain.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nimble like a" to create vivid comparisons that highlight agility and quickness in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Consider the specific qualities you want to emphasize, such as speed, precision, or adaptability, and choose examples that resonate with your audience.

Common error

While "nimble like a" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently, as it can become predictable. Vary your descriptions with synonyms or more specific comparisons to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nimble like a" primarily functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, providing a comparison to something known for its agility. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to vividly describe the subject's quickness and grace.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nimble like a" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to describe something or someone possessing agility, quickness, and adaptability. While relatively uncommon, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to use it judiciously, considering the specific qualities you wish to highlight and avoiding overused comparisons. Alternatives such as "agile as a" or "quick like a" can provide variety while conveying similar meanings. Be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agile as a

Replaces 'nimble' with 'agile', focusing on the quality of being quick and well-coordinated.

quick like a

Substitutes 'nimble' with 'quick', emphasizing speed and promptness.

swift as a

Uses 'swift' instead of 'nimble', highlighting rapid movement or action.

light-footed as a

Replaces 'nimble' with 'light-footed', emphasizing grace and ease of movement.

fleet-footed like a

Uses 'fleet-footed' to convey speed and agility in movement.

dexterous as a

Substitutes 'nimble' with 'dexterous', focusing on skill and precision in handling objects or situations.

graceful like a

Emphasizes elegance and smoothness in movement, replacing 'nimble' with 'graceful'.

adaptable as a

Shifts the focus from physical agility to the ability to adjust to changing conditions.

resourceful as a

Replaces 'nimble' with 'resourceful', highlighting the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

responsive like a

Emphasizes the ability to react quickly and appropriately to stimuli or changes.

FAQs

How can I use "nimble like a" in a sentence?

Use "nimble like a" to describe something or someone that moves quickly and gracefully, or that is quick to adapt to new situations. For example, "The startup was "nimble like a gazelle", quickly pivoting to meet changing market demands".

What are some alternatives to "nimble like a"?

Alternatives include "agile as a", "quick like a", or "swift as a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "nimble like a" in formal writing?

While "nimble like a" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal contexts, a more precise or technical term might be preferable. However, in many cases, it can add a touch of vividness without being inappropriate.

How does the meaning of "nimble like a" differ from "agile like a"?

While both terms relate to quickness and dexterity, "nimble" often implies a lightness and gracefulness of movement, while "agile" emphasizes the ability to move quickly and easily. Therefore, "agile as a" might be preferred when emphasizing adaptability and efficiency, whereas "nimble" is better when highlighting finesse.