be equal to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be equal to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate if two things have the same amount or value. For example, "We need to make sure that the amount of sugar in each batch of cookies is equal to 1 cup."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thought had to be equal to articulation.

The New Yorker

Our cause is to be equal to his courage.

The New York Times

Many women think we should be equal to men.

The Guardian - Books

"They wanted to be equal to the boss," she said.

The New York Times

But in truth, they'll only be equal to South Melbourne, Hakoah Sydney City and Marconi Stallions.

The Guardian - Sport

But younger brothers sometimes want to be equal to their older brothers".

The New York Times - Science

"We bother so we can be equal to everybody else," she announces.

The New York Times

"This is a way to make Rwanda to be equal, to use English.

The Guardian

"Our plan will be equal to or better than the state's solution".

The New York Times

Holbrooke is saying that our commitments must be equal to our power.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our understanding would be equal to Tesco and better than many of the others".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be equal to", ensure that the comparison is clear and the units of measurement are consistent. For instance, state explicitly what is being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid comparing items that cannot be logically equated. Ensure that you are comparing like with like to maintain clarity and avoid misleading statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be equal to" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun that describes or renames it. This indicates that two entities possess the same value, quantity, or characteristic. As Ludwig AI says, it indicates that two things have the same amount or value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be equal to" is a versatile linking verb phrase used to express equivalence between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's commonly employed across various domains, including science, news, and business. As Ludwig examples show, it is used to point out similarity in aspects like quantities, values or even qualities. While it's essential to ensure comparisons are logical and consistent, mastering its usage can significantly improve the clarity and precision of your writing. The related phrases like "be equivalent to", "be the same as", and "correspond to" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings, each with subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be equivalent to

Emphasizes functional or practical equivalence.

be the same as

A more direct and less formal way of expressing equality.

correspond to

Highlights a relationship of matching or mirroring between two things.

amount to

Focuses on the total or resulting value being equivalent.

be comparable to

Suggests a level of similarity that allows for comparison but doesn't necessarily imply exact equality.

be on par with

Indicates a similar level of quality or status.

be commensurate with

Implies a proportional or appropriate correspondence.

match

Highlights a direct correspondence or similarity.

align with

Emphasizes agreement or correspondence in direction or purpose.

equate to

Suggests an established or calculated equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "be equal to" in a sentence?

Use "be equal to" to show that two values, quantities, or qualities are the same. For example, "The sum of angles in a triangle must "be equal to" 180 degrees".

What phrases are similar to "be equal to"?

Alternatives include "be equivalent to", "be the same as", or "correspond to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it always necessary to specify units when using "be equal to"?

Specifying units clarifies the comparison and avoids ambiguity, especially in scientific or technical contexts. For example, saying "1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimeters" is more precise than simply saying "1 is equal to 2.54".

How does "be equal to" differ from "be similar to"?

"Be equal to" indicates an exact match or equivalence, while "be similar to" implies a resemblance but not necessarily an exact match. Similarity allows for differences, whereas equality does not.