an equal opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an equal opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to fairness, non-discrimination, and providing the same chances to all individuals, often in employment or education. Example: "Our company is committed to being an equal opportunity employer, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Alas, bullying is an equal opportunity offense).

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Reyes is an equal opportunity offender.

The New York Times

He was an equal opportunity prosecutor".

The New York Times

"Drug abuse is an equal opportunity destroyer".

The New York Times - Health

The Satch is an equal opportunity site.

The New York Times - Sports

We are an equal opportunity employer".

The New York Times

We owe these people an equal opportunity.

The New York Times

"I'm an equal opportunity terminator," Roberts explained.

The Washington Post

But he is an equal opportunity curmudgeon.

The New York Times

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer.

Princeton University

SUNY is an equal opportunity employer.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an equal opportunity" in a job description, explicitly state the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion to reinforce the message.

Common error

Avoid implying that providing "an equal opportunity" guarantees the same results for everyone. Emphasize that it ensures a fair chance, regardless of background, while individual outcomes may vary based on effort and ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an equal opportunity" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe a situation or policy that ensures fairness and non-discrimination. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

22%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an equal opportunity" is a widely used and grammatically correct expression, according to Ludwig, that signifies fairness and non-discrimination. It functions primarily as a noun phrase and serves to promote inclusivity across various contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media and Academic domains, its application extends to Formal & Business settings. When using "an equal opportunity", ensure that your communication reinforces a commitment to diversity and avoids implying guaranteed equal outcomes. Consider using alternative phrases like "a fair chance" or "equal access" depending on the specific context. The expert rating is high, reflecting the phrase's grammatical correctness, source authority and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair chance

Replaces "opportunity" with the more informal "chance", emphasizing the aspect of fairness.

level playing field

Uses a metaphor to describe a situation where everyone has the same advantages and disadvantages.

equal access

Focuses on the accessibility aspect, implying that resources and services are available to all.

equitable opportunity

Replaces "equal" with "equitable", which focuses on fairness and justice.

non-discriminatory opportunity

Emphasizes the absence of discrimination in the opportunity being offered.

impartial opportunity

Highlights the unbiased nature of the opportunity.

even playing field

An alternative of "level playing field" reinforcing the metaphor.

equal rights

Shifts the focus to the broader concept of rights, implying access to the same protections and privileges.

fair treatment

Focuses on the way people are treated, suggesting impartiality and justice.

equal footing

Suggests that everyone starts from the same position, with no inherent advantages or disadvantages.

FAQs

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

You can use "an equal opportunity" to describe situations where everyone has a fair chance, such as "Our company is committed to providing "an equal opportunity" to all employees for advancement".

What's the difference between ""an equal opportunity"" and "a fair chance"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""an equal opportunity"" is often used in more formal or official contexts, such as employment policies, while "a fair chance" is more informal and general.

What can I say instead of ""an equal opportunity"" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "equitable opportunity", "equal access", or "non-discriminatory opportunity" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it redundant to say ""an equal opportunity" for all"?

While ""an equal opportunity"" inherently implies that it is for everyone, specifying "for all" can add emphasis and clarity, especially in situations where inclusivity is being explicitly highlighted.