swift as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swift as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the speed of something or someone to that of a swift animal or object, often in a poetic or figurative context. Example: "The athlete moved across the field, swift as a gazelle, leaving his opponents behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

TAYLOR SWIFT As a teenager, Ms. Swift made herself the voice of every unjustly spurned high school girl, demonstrated that current country music can be as slick or angry as any other pop and sold millions of albums.

The New York Times - Arts

Swift, as a teen-age singer-songwriter, was an anomaly in the country-music industry.

The New Yorker

It runs: Strong as an eagle, Swift as a vulture, Go, go, go For Ethical Culture.

The New Yorker

With Francie Swift as a damaged heiress who falls in love with the brothers' disconnectedness (2 10).

The New York Times

The campaign, scheduled to begin in print, online and in social media on Thursday, appeals to "brave girls" and "bravehearts" and offers Ms. Swift as a role model.

The New York Times

No one could have denied her the tiny dig that came next, as swift as a stiletto heel puncturing a balloon already fit to burst.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The idea of staging Chekhov's least known play, directed by Jonathan Kent, in a new version by David Hare, has an acute appeal: it was this combination who provided the swift-as-a-spinning-top Ivanov four years ago.

The Guardian

"I would wonder if the act hadn't been purely personal, aimed against Minette Swift as an individual, and not 'racist'racist

The Guardian - Books

When she wonders, thinking back, if a crucial act "hadn't been purely personal, aimed against Minette Swift as an individual, and not 'racist,' " she must also acknowledge "how swiftly and crudely the personal becomes the racial".

The New York Times - Books

Animals appear frequently, particularly those from a popular Hebrew aphorism: : "Be bold as a leopard, swift as an eagle, fleet as a deer, and strong as a lion, to do the will of thy Father who is in Heaven," as the museum renders it.

The New York Times - Arts

Swifts as a family have smaller egg clutches and much longer and more variable incubation and fledging times than passerines with similarly sized eggs, resembling tubenoses in these developmental factors.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing unrelated concepts, metaphors and similes can add flair, but ensure they still fit your register.

Common error

While "swift as a" can be effective, overusing it or other similar comparisons can make your writing seem unoriginal. Vary your descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swift as a" functions as a simile, primarily used for making comparisons to emphasize the speed or quickness of an action or object. Ludwig shows it being used to enhance descriptions by likening them to something known for its swiftness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "swift as a" serves as a simile, emphasizing speed and agility through comparison. Ludwig analysis reveals that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English, with its primary function being to create a vivid image of quickness. While examples are not very common, the phrase is versatile enough for various registers, primarily appearing in news, media, and wiki contexts. Remember to use it sparingly to avoid clichés and maintain originality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as quick as

Focuses on general quickness, omitting the specific emphasis on 'swiftness'.

as fast as

Highlights speed, a direct synonym, but may lack the nuance of agility.

rapid as

Emphasizes high speed or rate of movement, replacing the comparative element.

speedy as

Indicates promptness and velocity, substituting 'swift' with a direct synonym.

as nimble as

Focuses on agility and light movement rather than pure speed.

as prompt as

Highlights immediate action or readiness, changing the focus from physical speed to responsiveness.

immediate as

Implies instantaneous action or effect, altering the comparison's emphasis.

express as

Suggests directness and speed of delivery or communication.

fleet as

Emphasizes grace and swiftness of movement, particularly in running or flying.

expeditious as

Highlights efficiency and speed in completing a task or process, rather than general swiftness.

FAQs

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

Use "swift as a" to compare the speed of something to something else. For example, "Her reaction was "swift as a" striking snake".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "swift as a"?

You can use alternatives like "as quick as", "as fast as", or "rapid as" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "swift as a"?

The phrase "swift as a" is appropriate when you want to emphasize not only speed but also agility or grace in movement. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Is "swift as a" considered a cliché?

While "swift as a" isn't inherently a cliché, its overuse can lead to a lack of originality in writing. Consider using more unique comparisons or descriptive language to maintain reader engagement.