be equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be equivalent to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to compare two things and show that they have the same value, or when you want to say that something is just as good as something else. For example, "A high school diploma is equivalent to a GED in terms of academic qualification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

effect be equivalent to evaluating the forms.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fines can be equivalent to two weeks' salary.

The Guardian

This would be equivalent to £300bn at today's prices.

The Guardian

How can cutting grass be equivalent to doing nothing?

The Guardian

That would be equivalent to $260,320 in 2014 dollars.

The Washington Post

This should be equivalent to running the JUnit tests directly.

University of California, Berkeley

The workload is designed to be equivalent to a class.

Columbia University

To some it will be equivalent to a lottery win.

The Guardian

All the constraints are shown to be equivalent to LMIs.

Automatica

Misandry will be equivalent to misogyny only when women are equal to men.

The Guardian - Opinion

The cartridges, which are supposed to be equivalent to 12 fags, run out at alarming speed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be equivalent to", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis of equivalence. Be specific about what aspects are equivalent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "be equivalent to" implies complete interchangeability. While two things might be equivalent in one aspect, they may differ significantly in others. Always clarify the specific context of equivalence to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be equivalent to" functions as a linking phrase, connecting two nouns or noun phrases to indicate they hold the same value, significance, or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be equivalent to" serves as a versatile tool for drawing direct comparisons, emphasizing that two things possess the same value or effect within a defined context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and scientific sources, its register leans towards neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. When employing this phrase, remember to clearly define the context of equivalence to avoid ambiguity. For variations, consider alternatives such as "be tantamount to", "be comparable to", or "equate to" to fine-tune the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equate to

A more direct and mathematical way to say that one thing has the same value as another.

amount to the same thing as

Highlights that the final result or outcome is identical.

be tantamount to

Emphasizes that the two things are virtually the same in effect or significance.

be identical to

Highlights that the two things are exactly the same.

be comparable to

Highlights that the two things are similar and can be reasonably compared.

be analogous to

Suggests a parallel or resemblance between two things, often used to explain something unfamiliar.

correspond to

Suggests a direct relationship or matching between two things.

be on par with

Indicates that the two things are at the same level or standard.

be commensurate with

Implies that the two things are proportional or corresponding in size or degree.

represent

Indicates that one thing stands for or is a symbol of another.

FAQs

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

You can use "be equivalent to" to show that two things have the same value or effect. For example, "In this context, completing the online course would "be equivalent to" attending the in-person seminar".

What phrases can I use instead of "be equivalent to"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "be tantamount to", "be comparable to", or "equate to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "be equivalent to" or "is equivalent with"?

"Be equivalent to" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Equivalent with" is less standard and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "be equivalent to" and "be similar to"?

"Be equivalent to" suggests a direct and measurable correspondence, while "be similar to" implies a resemblance that might not be exact. Something that be comparable to something else shares characteristics, but may not "be equivalent to" it in value or function.