all other things being equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all other things being equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that two or more things can be compared when all other factors are the same. For example, "All other things being equal, the most efficient way of doing the task is to use a computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this "all other things being equal" is the lie of race relations in America.

The Guardian - Opinion

All other things being equal, the most powerful discrimination of groups is obtained when cases and controls are equally represented.

British Journal of Cancer

But all other things being equal would you prefer to have prices $10 high?

Columbia University

All other things being equal, increased size and increased pressure level both reduce Number of Transfer Units (NTU).

The Air Engine Stirling Cycle Power for a Sustainable Future

All other things being equal, heavier vinyl pressings are usually preferred by audiophiles.

The New York Times - Tech

Conversely, reductions in marginal tax rates should, all other things being equal, reduce charitable giving.

The New York Times

All other things being equal, people seem to regard shorter men as less authoritative.

The New Yorker

All other things being equal, this newspaper ought to be written in British, not American, English.

Independent

All other things being equal, warming of soils leads to greater rates of evaporation and drying.

The Guardian

All other things being equal, the higher the resolution, the crisper the images.

The New York Times - Tech

All other things being equal, money does make people more satisfied.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all other things being equal" to clearly state a hypothetical situation when comparing options or outcomes, ensuring your audience understands the comparison is made under controlled conditions. This clarifies your reasoning and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "all other things being equal" when many significant factors are clearly not equal. The phrase loses its meaning if the 'equal' conditions are unrealistic or ignored, potentially undermining your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all other things being equal" functions as a conditional qualifier. It sets up a hypothetical scenario where specific variables are controlled, allowing for a focused comparison or analysis. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sets up a clear condition for comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

23%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all other things being equal" is a grammatically correct and very common conditional qualifier used to establish hypothetical scenarios for comparison. It appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to isolate the impact of specific factors by assuming constant conditions. To ensure proper usage, remember to use it when you want to compare variables in an environment where all other conditions are controlled. Its misuse can stem from ignoring existing different variables or misunderstanding the overall implications of its condition. Alternatives include "ceteris paribus" and "all things being equal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ceteris paribus

This is the Latin equivalent, often used in economics and other academic contexts. It maintains a formal tone and academic appeal.

all things being equal

This shortens the original phrase by removing "other", resulting in a more concise version. This alternative focuses on the overall equivalence.

assuming all else is constant

This explicitly states the assumption of constancy, making it clear that only specific factors are under consideration. It's slightly more verbose.

if all conditions are the same

This alternative highlights the identical nature of conditions, emphasizing the similarity of scenarios. It uses simpler language.

everything else held constant

Similar to "assuming all else is constant", this emphasizes the act of holding other variables steady. It's more technical.

with all factors remaining constant

This alternative highlights that all factors stay the same. The meaning is very close, but focuses on factors.

given the same circumstances

This focuses on identical circumstances, emphasizing context over specific variables. It provides a relatable alternative.

assuming no other changes

This alternative points out the absence of other changes. It's a less formal way to indicate stability.

if we control for all other variables

It is mostly used in research papers. Focuses on the action of removing the influence of others variables.

other considerations aside

It is used to put the focus on the factors we are really considering. Removes emphasis from factors remaining constant.

FAQs

How do you use "all other things being equal" in a sentence?

You can use "all other things being equal" to indicate a hypothetical scenario where all conditions are the same except for the variable being considered. For example, "All other things being equal, a higher interest rate will lead to lower investment."

What's a simpler way to say "all other things being equal"?

Alternatives include "all things being equal" or "assuming all else is constant". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "all things being equal" grammatically correct?

Yes, "all things being equal" is grammatically correct and a commonly used variant of "all other things being equal". Both phrases have the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "all other things being equal"?

Use "all other things being equal" when you want to isolate the impact of one factor by holding all other relevant factors constant. It's particularly useful in economic, scientific, and analytical contexts.