are probably equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are probably equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the likelihood that two or more things have the same value or status. Example: "Based on the data collected, the two measurements are probably equal, but further analysis is needed to confirm this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this case, Arabic and French are probably equal fallbacks for the intrepid traveler.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Gun rights are probably equaled only by abortion rights in their ability to split Democrats and create political havoc.

The New York Times

"His recognition factor is probably equal to mine, or exceeds it," admits Lembit, leavening that "probably" with a joke.

The Guardian

Astronomical observations of distant galaxies, indicate that the density of the Universe is probably equal to the critical density, therefore the Universe is likely to expand forever, and never go through another big bang.

Cornell University

The quantity of inactive Mn III) is probably equal to, or a little greater than, 0.6 m mol g−1 corresponding to MnOOH0.06: this is similar to the amount of Mn III) which is not removed by moderate acid-washing.

Electrochimica Acta

Consumer Reports generally advises against buying extended service contracts because "the cost of repair is probably equal to the cost of warranty, so you should probably just keep that money in your pocket," a spokeswoman, Lauren Hackett, said.

The New York Times

The shift is probably equal to, if not greater than, the 1945 moment that founded welfare states across Europe or the Thatcher revolution in 1979, which began the dismantling of them in the name of free-market economics.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We talk about only two counties, but if we add up the Medicaid beneficiares of Broward and Duval Counties, it is probably equal to more than 25 states," he said.

The New York Times

Add in things like sales of government bonds by foreigners (see chart 1), and capital flight is probably equal to about 10% of GDP in those countries, say Citigroup analysts.

The Economist

The horse was probably equal parts keen and more than a little terrified at the relentless firecracker-like slapping of galloping hooves on the wet, sealed track emanating from horses behind him that he couldn't see.

The New York Times

"I'm sure the money that I've lost by remaining freelance and doing that is probably equal to a private school education". But Ms. Freeman said she felt she had been able to have an effect on P.S. 166 and was content with her sons' education.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are probably equal", ensure that the context allows for a degree of uncertainty. This phrase is most effective when you want to suggest that two things are likely to be the same, but you cannot state it definitively. For example, "The benefits and risks "are probably equal", warranting further investigation."

Common error

Avoid using "are probably equal" when you have definitive proof of inequality. This phrase implies uncertainty, so it's inappropriate to use it when the data clearly indicates a difference. For instance, don't say "The profits "are probably equal"" if one profit margin is demonstrably higher than the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are probably equal" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, suggesting a level of uncertainty or approximation regarding the equality of two or more entities. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are probably equal" is a versatile expression used to indicate a likely equivalence between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While it conveys a sense of approximation rather than absolute certainty, this hedging can be useful when definitive proof is lacking. Alternatives include "are likely equivalent" or "are approximately equivalent", depending on the desired nuance. Using "are probably equal" effectively requires understanding the appropriate level of certainty for the given context; it should be avoided when definitive data contradicts the notion of equality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are likely equivalent

Emphasizes likelihood and substitutes "equal" with "equivalent".

are possibly the same

Uses "possibly" to indicate a chance and replaces "equal" with "the same".

are approximately equivalent

Adds a degree of uncertainty with "approximately".

are roughly identical

Replaces "equal" with "identical", suggesting a close similarity.

are nearly the same

Indicates a small degree of difference might exist.

are more or less equal

Expresses an approximation of equality.

are comparatively similar

Focuses on a comparison that suggests resemblance.

are almost identical

Highlights a high degree of similarity, close to being the same.

are fairly equivalent

Uses "fairly" to moderate the degree of equivalence.

are about the same

A more casual way of expressing approximate equality.

FAQs

How can I use "are probably equal" in a sentence?

You can use "are probably equal" to express that two or more things are likely to have the same value or status. For example: "The estimated costs "are probably equal", but we need more data to confirm."

What phrases are similar to "are probably equal"?

Similar phrases include "are likely equivalent", "are possibly the same", and "are approximately equivalent". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are probably equal" or "are equal"?

Use "are probably equal" when there's a degree of uncertainty or estimation involved. Use "are equal" when you have definitive proof or measurement confirming they are the same.

What's the difference between "are probably equal" and "are nearly equal"?

"Are probably equal" indicates a likelihood of being the same, while "are nearly equal" suggests they are close but not exactly the same. The nuance depends on the context and the level of precision required.