an inequality in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inequality in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing mathematical concepts, social issues, or any context where a disparity or difference is being highlighted. Example: "The study revealed an inequality in access to education between urban and rural areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

A recent study concluded that the rural-urban differential in fertility is an inequity, reflecting an inability of poor, rural women to achieve their desired fertility, rather than an inequality in which rural women simply want large families [ 7].

BMC Health Services Research

If I might say, this will absolutely create an inequality" in French football,  said the former Auxerre Manager Guy Roux.

The New York Times

Several factors are now accelerating the dynamic towards an inequality in Britain greater than at any time since the 1930s.

The Guardian

"I can't disagree that there's an inequality in the league but I don't know if it's a problem: it's a fact of life," said Hodgson.

The Guardian - Sport

The debate has intensified this year after Jennifer Lawrence's emotive essay in Lena Dunham's newsletter Lenny, which addressed the leaked Sony emails revealing an inequality in her pay compared to her male co-stars in American Hustle.

The Guardian - Film

For an orthogonal array (λst, k, s, t), t ≥ 2, the number of constraints k satisfies an inequality in which λst is greater than or equal to a linear expression in powers of (s − 1), with binomial coefficients giving the number of combinations of k − 1 or k things taken i at a time (i u).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Based on an auxiliary vector, an integral inequality in the stochastic setting is introduced.

Signal Processing

Lucy Jones, one of the authors of the study, said: "These findings indicate an unacceptable inequality in our health system.

The Guardian

The authors concluded that there was "an ethnic inequality in diagnosis".

Vice

This inequality derives to a good degree from a corresponding inequality in educational achievement.

Huffington Post

So we tolerate a greater inequality in terms of wealth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social issues, use "an inequality in" to highlight systemic imbalances or unfair disparities. For example, "The report revealed an inequality in healthcare access based on socioeconomic status."

Common error

Avoid using "an inequality in" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "difference" or "imbalance" would suffice. Overusing formal phrasing can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inequality in" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to introduce or describe a specific area or aspect where inequality exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. It often acts as a subject complement or part of an adverbial phrase, providing context to the inequality being discussed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inequality in" is a prepositional phrase used to spotlight disparities or imbalances within specific contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is appropriate for written English and commonly appears in science, news media, and formal business domains. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for formal or neutral settings, as overuse in informal contexts may sound unnatural. Consider alternatives like "a disparity in" or "a difference in" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disparity in

Replaces "inequality" with "disparity", suggesting a difference without necessarily implying injustice.

an imbalance in

Substitutes "inequality" with "imbalance", highlighting a lack of equilibrium or proportion.

a difference in

Uses a more general term, "difference", which may be neutral or positive depending on the context.

a gap in

Replaces "inequality" with "gap", emphasizing the space or distance between two groups or things.

a variance in

Uses "variance" to suggest a statistical or measurable difference.

a discrepancy in

Focuses on an inconsistency or lack of agreement.

a contrast in

Emphasizes the distinct differences between two or more entities.

a divide in

Highlights a separation or division caused by inequality.

a disproportion in

Implies an unequal or skewed ratio.

a lopsidedness in

Suggests an uneven or asymmetrical distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "an inequality in" in a sentence?

Use "an inequality in" to point out disparities or imbalances. For example, "There is "an inequality in access to" resources among different communities."

What's a less formal alternative to "an inequality in"?

Consider using phrases like "a difference in" or "an imbalance in" for less formal contexts. These alternatives convey a similar meaning without the same level of formality.

Is it always negative to describe something as "an inequality in"?

Usually, "an inequality in" suggests a negative disparity or unfairness. However, the context determines the overall tone. For example, "an inequality in skill" can be a neutral observation.

What is the difference between "an inequity in" and "an inequality in"?

"Inequity" implies unfairness or injustice, while "inequality" simply refers to a difference or disparity. Therefore, "an inequity in" suggests a moral dimension that "an inequality in" may not necessarily have.