approximately equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or scientific contexts to indicate that two values are close in value but not exactly the same. Example: "The length of the table is approximately equal to 2 meters."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

§ 254.11 Exchanges at approximately equal value.

Cornell University

The story is divided into two approximately equal sections.

The New Yorker

The humerus and fused radiulna are approximately equal in length.

Nature

Ospemifene binds ERα and ERβ with approximately equal affinities.

Steroids

Polyethylene fixations resulted in bone density approximately equal to intact.

Journal of Biomechanics

The diets were approximately equal in n − 6 fatty acids.

Neurotoxicology and Teratology

Evidence suggests that the abortion rate is approximately equal in countries with and without legal abortion.

The Guardian

That was approximately equal to its embedded value, a forward-looking benchmark for insurance valuation.

The New York Times

In this bedlam, Lewis himself was charming and obnoxious in approximately equal parts.

The Guardian - Books

Burning a gallon of gasoline or of jet fuel produces approximately equal amounts of carbon dioxide.

The New York Times

Using a small flight path angle assumption, we consider weight to be approximately equal to lift.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "approximately equal" in technical writing, specify the degree of approximation if precision is important. For example, state that values are "approximately equal within 5%".

Common error

Avoid using "approximately equal" when the values are significantly different. This can mislead readers and undermine the accuracy of your statement. Instead, use terms that accurately reflect the degree of difference, such as "somewhat similar" or "noticeably different".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately equal" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that two or more things have values or quantities that are close but not identical. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it qualifies nouns like "length", "size", and "amounts".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately equal" is a grammatically sound and very common adjective phrase used to describe quantities or values that are nearly but not exactly the same. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and technical contexts, where it serves to provide estimations or comparisons without requiring absolute precision. When writing, ensure you're not overstating the equivalence and, if precision matters, specify the degree of approximation. Consider alternatives like "roughly equivalent" or "nearly identical" to fine-tune your message. The phrase maintains a formal tone, reflecting its frequent use in academic and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost the same

Indicates a high degree of similarity with minor differences.

roughly equivalent

Suggests a general similarity without demanding precise measurement.

more or less equal

Implies a slight margin of difference that doesn't significantly alter the overall equality.

close to equivalent

Highlights that the difference is quite small.

nearly identical

Emphasizes a very close resemblance, almost to the point of being the same.

virtually indistinguishable

Suggests that any difference is so small as to be practically unnoticeable.

substantially similar

Indicates that the core characteristics are alike, even if details vary.

of comparable size

Focuses on similarity in dimension or magnitude.

roughly the same order

Indicates a similarity in magnitude, especially in scientific or mathematical contexts.

in the same ballpark

Informal term suggesting quantities are close enough for practical purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately equal" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately equal" to indicate that two values are close but not exactly the same. For example: "The area of both rooms is "approximately equal"."

What's a more formal alternative to "approximately equal"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "nearly identical", "roughly equivalent", or "substantially similar" depending on the desired level of precision.

How does "approximately equal" differ from "exactly equal"?

"Approximately equal" implies a small degree of difference, whereas "exactly equal" means the values are identical. Using "approximately equal" acknowledges that there may be minor variations or measurement errors.

Can I use "about equal" instead of "approximately equal"?

Yes, "about equal" is a valid and more informal alternative to "approximately equal". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.