strong as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare someone's strength or resilience to that of a strong object or animal, often followed by a noun that represents strength. Example: "She is strong as a bull, able to lift heavy weights with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Feel strong as a wet nylon stocking.

The New Yorker

She was strong as a bull.

The New Yorker

"I felt we were strong as a couple.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even a young fellow like that, strong as a horse.

The New Yorker

With the adrenaline flowing you're strong as a bull.

The New York Times

"We are very strong as a team," Vettel said.

The Guardian - Sport

He's strong as a bull right now arm-wise".

The New York Times - Sports

"We look strong as a country," he added.

The New York Times

"My brother was as strong as a bull.

The New York Times

"A moral position is as strong as a religious conviction".

The New York Times

"We are going to stand strong as a nation and defend this ancestral land".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong as a" to create vivid comparisons, making sure the noun following 'a' is easily associated with strength (e.g., "strong as a bull", "strong as an oak").

Common error

Avoid comparisons that are illogical or don't resonate with the audience. For example, "strong as a cloud" doesn't make sense since clouds are typically associated with lightness or impermanence, not strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to describe someone or something by comparing their strength to another entity. Ludwig examples confirm this pattern, using it to draw parallels with animals, objects, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong as a" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to vividly illustrate strength by drawing parallels to other entities known for their power or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news and media. To maximize its effectiveness, ensure the comparison is both logical and resonant. For more formal contexts, consider using more direct statements of strength. Remember that while "strong as a" adds color and emphasis, precision is crucial in academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as powerful as

Highlights might and influence.

as tough as

Emphasizes durability and resistance to damage.

as sturdy as

Focuses on robustness and resilience rather than sheer power.

as firm as

Focuses on stability and resistance to movement.

as robust as

Stresses the capacity to withstand adverse conditions.

as resilient as

Emphasizes the ability to recover from difficulties.

as vigorous as

Focuses on energy and active strength.

as potent as

Highlights effectiveness and influence.

with the force of

Shifts the focus to the impact or effect of strength.

as steadfast as

Highlights unwavering strength and determination.

FAQs

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

Use "strong as a" to draw comparisons between the strength of one thing and another. For example, "He is "strong as a lion", capable of overcoming any challenge."

What are some alternatives to "strong as a"?

Alternatives include "tough as nails", "sturdy as an ox", or "powerful as a locomotive" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strong as a" or "very strong"?

"Strong as a" is more figurative and descriptive, creating a stronger image, whereas "very strong" is a more literal and direct statement of strength. The best choice depends on the desired effect and context.

When is it appropriate to use "strong as a" in writing?

It's suitable for descriptive writing, informal contexts, and when you want to add color to your descriptions. It's less appropriate in formal or scientific writing where precision is paramount.