an equivalent of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an equivalent of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that has similar value, roughly equal, or about the same. Example sentence: She told her parents that the internship was an equivalent of a full-time job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Beginning Create an Equivalent Of the F.D.I.C.

The New York Times

Postwar Italy never experienced an equivalent of German de-nazification.

The Guardian

Australia lacks an equivalent of the US First Amendment.

The Guardian

This was an equivalent of the Mediterranean boat people.

Independent

Universities want to maintain their foundation year – originally an equivalent of sixth form.

The Guardian

How Stephenson – and BBC3 controller Danny Cohen – would love an equivalent of E4's Skins.

The Guardian

"There isn't an equivalent of this in Latin American countries," Mr. Morale said of the PTA.

The New York Times

This translates to an equivalent of close to 15% of current grid-supplied electricity use".

The Guardian

"We don't have an equivalent of the Today programme or Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight," he says.

The Guardian

Yet in each, too, there is an equivalent of Kavanagh's teen misfit.

The Guardian - Books

Marjorie's kindness pleases him so much that he feels joy is an equivalent of health.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an equivalent of", ensure that the comparison is clear and the basis for equivalence is well-defined. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid implying complete identity when only partial equivalence exists. For example, saying "a small car is an equivalent of a large truck" is misleading unless qualified (e.g., in terms of fuel efficiency).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an equivalent of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that something is similar or comparable in value, effect, or function, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an equivalent of" is a versatile phrase used to express similarity or comparability. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure that the basis for comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "a counterpart to" exist, "an equivalent of" maintains a balance of formality suitable for most writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a corresponding version of

This indicates a direct and matching relationship between two things in different contexts.

a counterpart to

This suggests a direct correspondence or parallel, often used in comparing items in different systems or contexts.

a similar version of

This alternative emphasizes similarity in form or function but doesn't necessarily imply exact equivalence.

a parallel to

This indicates a similarity in nature or development, often used in abstract or theoretical contexts.

something comparable to

This broadens the scope to include anything that shares similar characteristics or qualities.

a substitute for

This highlights the ability of one thing to replace another, implying a functional equivalence.

a match for

This suggests an equal or very similar level of quality or ability.

a stand-in for

Highlights the role of one thing taking the place of another, usually temporarily.

a relative of

This phrase highlights a familial or hierarchical similarity.

a near synonym for

Specifies that the term is not exactly the same, but conveys a very similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "an equivalent of" in a sentence?

Use "an equivalent of" to compare something to something else that has a similar value or effect. For example, "Earning this certification is "an equivalent of" having three years of experience."

What are some alternatives to "an equivalent of"?

Some alternatives include "a similar version of", "a counterpart to", or "a substitute for", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to use "an equivalent of" or "a counterpart to"?

"A counterpart to" is generally considered more formal than "an equivalent of". "An equivalent of" is suitable for a wide range of contexts, while "a counterpart to" implies a more direct and often structural correspondence.

What's the difference between "an equivalent of" and "similar to"?

"An equivalent of" suggests a roughly equal value or effect, while "similar to" indicates a resemblance but not necessarily equality. For example, "a diet soda is "an equivalent of" a regular soda in terms of calories" (if they both have zero calories), but "a diet soda is "similar to" a regular soda in taste".