an equal footing

USAGE SUMMARY

"an equal footing" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that two parties or individuals are on the same level or have the same status or rights in a situation. Example: "The two companies entered into a partnership agreement, ensuring that both were on an equal footing in terms of decision-making and profit-sharing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They bring all staff together on an equal footing.

The Guardian

What would such "an equal footing" look like?

The New York Times

"When will this be put on an equal footing?

The New York Times

This does not put both parents on an equal footing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Artists and composers found themselves on an equal footing.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are on an equal footing," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

With this coat, I feel on an equal footing.

The New Yorker

Debtor and creditor meet on an equal footing and haggle over the best possible deal.

Columbia University

Striking down the aggregate limits will help put them on an equal footing.

Harvard University

Generalised color moments combine shape and color information and put them on an equal footing.

Computer Vision and Image Understanding

He pointed out that the flexible language options put all countries on an equal footing.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an equal footing" to promote inclusivity and fairness in professional and social writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an equal footing" without clarifying what specific factors are being balanced. For instance, stating "both departments are on an equal footing" is vague. Instead, specify: "Both departments are on an equal footing regarding budget allocation and staffing resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an equal footing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It commonly modifies verbs or nouns to describe the state of having equivalent rights, status, or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an equal footing" is a prepositional phrase used to express the concept of fairness, equality, or comparable status, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. While the phrase is common, it's important to define what specific factors are being made equal to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "equal terms", "a level playing field", and "an equitable basis", each with subtle differences in meaning. When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the aspects being balanced. Overall, understanding and using "an equal footing" effectively contributes to clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an equal standing

Focuses on comparable status or position, often in a social or professional context.

equal terms

Emphasizes the conditions or provisions of an agreement or situation are the same for all involved.

a level playing field

Highlights fairness and impartiality, often used in competitive contexts.

on par

Indicates a state of equality or equivalence, often used to compare performance or quality.

an equitable basis

Stresses fairness and justice in the distribution of resources or opportunities.

the same plane

Implies comparable level or status and may be used in abstract, high-level contexts.

a balanced approach

Emphasizes equilibrium and proportionality in considering different aspects or factors.

a fair comparison

Stresses the validity and justness of comparing two or more things.

even ground

Implies fairness and similar chances or obstacles

without bias

Emphasizes the absence of prejudice or partiality in judging or evaluating something.

FAQs

How can I use "an equal footing" in a sentence?

You can use "an equal footing" to indicate that two or more entities have the same rights, opportunities, or status. For example: "The new policy aims to put all employees on "an equal footing" regardless of their background."

What are some alternatives to "an equal footing"?

Alternatives include "equal terms", "a level playing field", or "an equitable basis". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "on equal footing" or "on an equal footing"?

"On an equal footing" is generally preferred, as it uses the indefinite article "an" before the adjective "equal", which modifies the noun "footing". While "on equal footing" might be understood, it is less grammatically formal.

In what contexts is "an equal footing" most commonly used?

"An equal footing" is frequently used in discussions about fairness, justice, and equality across various domains, including business, politics, and social issues. It is particularly common in contexts where disparities need to be addressed or where a level playing field is desired.