as equals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as equals" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that two or more people are viewed as having the same level of importance and rights. For example, "We all strive to work together as equals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Women, as in Iraq, were treated almost as equals.

The New York Times

They operated as equals.

The New York Times

They treated me as equals.

The New York Times

Pigs treat us as equals".

Independent

PAUL: I treated them as equals.

The New York Times

Men and women live as equals".

The New Yorker

Men should treat women as equals.

The New York Times

Let's go forward as equals.

The Guardian

Treating them as equals is another.

The Economist

I treat everyone as equals.

The Guardian

Worse, he spoke to Eurocrats as equals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as equals" to clearly convey mutual respect and equivalent status between individuals or entities.

Common error

Be mindful of the context to ensure "as equals" doesn't inadvertently suggest a previous state of inequality or imply that equality is conditional, which can undermine the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as equals" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe the manner in which something is done or the state in which someone is regarded. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that people are viewed as having the same level of importance and rights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as equals" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to convey mutual respect and equivalent status, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also in formal and business contexts. While generally neutral, its impact lies in emphasizing fairness and inclusivity. Related phrases include "on equal terms" and "with equal status". When using "as equals", ensure the context doesn't inadvertently suggest past inequality or conditional equality, which could undermine the intended message of mutual respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on equal terms

Focuses on the conditions or arrangements being equal.

with equal status

Emphasizes the equivalent standing or rank of the entities involved.

in a position of equality

Highlights the state or condition of being equal.

treated identically

Stresses the sameness of treatment received.

regarded the same

Focuses on the perception or view of equality.

on a level playing field

Implies fairness and equal opportunity, especially in competitive situations.

as counterparts

Suggests a parallel or matching role or position.

with parity

Highlights a state of being equal, especially in quantity or status.

as peers

Emphasizes a shared level of experience, status, or ability.

on equal footing

Suggests a stable and balanced condition of equality.

FAQs

How can I use "as equals" in a sentence?

You can use "as equals" to describe relationships where individuals or groups have the same status, rights, or opportunities. For example, "The partners agreed to work "as equals" on the project".

What is a good alternative to "as equals"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "as equals" include phrases like "on equal terms", "with equal status", or "as counterparts".

When is it appropriate to use "as equals"?

Use "as equals" when you want to emphasize fairness, mutual respect, and equivalent standing between the involved parties. It's particularly relevant in discussions about social justice, teamwork, or negotiation.

How does using "as equals" affect the tone of a statement?

Using "as equals" conveys a tone of respect, fairness, and inclusivity. It suggests that all parties involved are valued and have equal importance in the given context.