an even playing field

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even playing field" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages, often in a competitive context. Example: "In order to foster innovation, we need to create an even playing field for all startups in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because they want an even playing field for our fisherman.

Cornell University

"You don't have an even playing field," Ms. Seeley said.

The New York Times

"One person pops a jump and it's an even playing field," Zakrajsek said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's an even playing field, it's the best system in the world.

The New York Times

"And I think it should be an even playing field for everyone".

The New York Times

"I think it's poor business practice not to have an even playing field," he said.

The New York Times

We want an even playing field, with one set of rules.

The New York Times

Patents are supposed to protect invention by creating an even playing field for small inventors and huge corporations alike.

The New York Times

We deserve an equal chance, an even playing field.

Forbes

"It allows an even playing field with Sysco and U.S. Foodservice," says President Ritz Guggiana.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That makes the next year much more of an even-playing-field fight.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In discussions about social justice, employ "an even playing field" to highlight systemic inequalities and the need for equitable reforms.

Common error

Avoid assuming that achieving "an even playing field" guarantees equal outcomes. It ensures equal opportunities, but individual effort and circumstances still influence results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even playing field" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an even playing field" is a commonly used expression that signifies fairness and equality of opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While it's most frequently found in news and media, it also appears in formal business and academic settings. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes equal opportunities, not necessarily equal outcomes. Alternatives like "equal opportunity" or "fair competition" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a level playing field

This alternative uses 'level' instead of 'even' to convey the same idea of equality and fairness.

equal footing

This alternative uses a different metaphor to suggest that everyone starts from the same baseline.

equal opportunity

This phrase focuses on the equality of chances and possibilities, replacing the more metaphorical 'playing field'.

parity of opportunity

Replaces 'equal' with 'parity' to emphasize the sameness of opportunity.

fair competition

This highlights the aspect of competition within a just and equitable environment.

equitable access

This alternative emphasizes the accessibility aspect, suggesting equal access to resources or opportunities.

a fair shake

This idiomatic expression conveys the idea of receiving a just and equitable deal or chance.

just environment

This phrase centers on the fairness of the surrounding circumstances or conditions.

impartial system

This highlights the lack of bias in the structure or organization being discussed.

unbiased approach

This emphasizes an objective and unprejudiced method or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "an even playing field" in a sentence?

You can use "an even playing field" to describe situations where everyone has the same opportunities. For example, "The new regulations aim to create "an even playing field" for small businesses."

What's the difference between "an even playing field" and "a level playing field"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "a level playing field" is more common in British English, whereas "an even playing field" is more frequently used in American English. They both refer to a situation of fairness and equal opportunity.

What can I say instead of "an even playing field"?

You can use alternatives like "equal opportunity", "fair competition", or "equitable access" depending on the context.

Is it always possible to create "an even playing field"?

While striving for "an even playing field" is a worthy goal, inherent differences and historical inequalities can make it challenging to achieve perfect equality of opportunity in practice.