Is equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two things have the same value, meaning, or effect in a specific context. Example: "In mathematics, the expression '2 + 2' is equivalent to '4'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This state is equivalent to steady growth.

The Economist

It is equivalent to a neighborhood association.

The New York Times

One kilocalorie is equivalent to 4.184 kilojoules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One petabyte is equivalent to one million gigabytes.

The New York Times - Science

(The price is equivalent to about $11.10).

The New York Times

That is equivalent to £136m per week.

The Guardian

Each A.D.R. is equivalent to one share.

The New York Times

This is equivalent to the factoring process.

MIT Technology Review

This is equivalent to 250 million children.

The Guardian

That is equivalent to 1.2% of GDP.

The Guardian

'<expression> is equivalent to the above form.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for variety in your writing, consider synonyms like "is the same as" or "corresponds to", but ensure the chosen alternative accurately reflects the intended nuance of equivalence.

Common error

Avoid using "is equivalent to" when you intend to convey similarity or analogy. Equivalence implies a stronger, more direct relationship than mere resemblance. Instead, use phrases like "is similar to" or "is comparable to" to denote less strict associations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Is equivalent to" functions as a relational expression, asserting that two distinct entities, concepts, or expressions possess the same value or meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely recognized and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

15%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Is equivalent to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to establish direct relationships or equality between different entities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It's particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and professional contexts, where precision is key. When writing, remember to reserve "Is equivalent to" for situations involving true equality, not mere similarity. Consider variations like "is the same as" or "corresponds to" for stylistic diversity while maintaining accuracy. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, mastering this phrase can greatly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is the same as

Focuses on identical nature, less formal.

Is equal to

Emphasizes numerical or quantitative equivalence.

Corresponds to

Highlights a parallel or matching relationship.

Amounts to

Suggests a total or result that is equivalent.

Represents

Implies a symbolic or indicative equivalence.

Is analogous to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison.

Is interchangeable with

Highlights the ability to substitute one for the other.

Can be expressed as

Focuses on alternative representation.

Is defined as

Emphasizes a formal definition or specification.

Is virtually the same as

Indicates near-perfect equivalence.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "Is equivalent to" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives like "corresponds to", "is defined as", or "amounts to" to maintain a professional tone.

How does "Is equivalent to" differ from "Is similar to"?

"Is equivalent to" indicates a precise equality, while "Is similar to" implies a resemblance without complete identity. Use "Is equivalent to" when the items are interchangeable. Use "Is similar to" if they share some characteristics.

Can "Is equivalent to" be used in mathematical equations?

Yes, "Is equivalent to" is commonly used in mathematics to explain the relationship between different expressions or formulas. For example, "a + b = c is equivalent to c - b = a".

What's the difference between "Is equivalent to" and "Is the same as"?

While both phrases denote equality, "Is the same as" is generally considered more informal than "Is equivalent to". Consider using "is equivalent to" in more formal contexts or when discussing technical subjects.