broadly equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broadly equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two concepts, terms, or items that are similar in a general sense but may have some differences in specifics. Example: "In terms of functionality, this software is broadly equivalent to its more expensive counterpart."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This is broadly equivalent to the numbers that would be seen by 12 district general hospitals.

The Guardian

It is broadly equivalent to the loss of 160 tigers or 93 pandas.

The Guardian

The Günz-Mindel Interglacial is also broadly equivalent to the Aftonian Interglacial Stage of North America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is broadly equivalent to the Nebraskan Glacial Stage of North America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Put another way, that's broadly equivalent to the annual CO2 output of 50,000 Britons.

The Guardian

It is broadly equivalent to the Sangamon Interglacial Stage of North America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

A World Bank study some years ago found that people living at, not below, the (broadly equivalent) predecessor to this poverty line typically faced under-five mortality rates between one in 10 and one in six.

The Guardian

The Blood Pressure Treatment Trialists Collaboration, which incorporated information from 190 606 participants across 31 treatment trials, concluded that all classes of drug were broadly equivalent with respect to protection from serious cardiovascular events.

British Medical Journal

It remains to be determined whether the broadly equivalent phylodynamic differences between the H3N2 and seasonal H1N1 types of influenza A virus are similarly due to basic differences in the structure of their respective HA proteins.

eLife

This was based on an attempt to compare populations of broadly equivalent risk i.e. ANC, TC and Private.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Overall, the old CSA and the new CSA seem to be performing in a broadly equivalent way.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broadly equivalent to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the aspects in which the compared items are similar, as well as any significant differences.

Common error

Avoid using "broadly equivalent to" when there are significant or critical differences between the items being compared; this can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

Broadly equivalent to functions as a comparative phrase, typically used to indicate that two or more concepts, items, or measures are similar in nature or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely applicable, allowing for some degree of variation while maintaining a general comparison. It serves to establish a relationship between different elements, suggesting they are alike in important respects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "broadly equivalent to" serves as a versatile tool for indicating a general similarity between two or more things, allowing for differences in specifics while maintaining a clear comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's frequently found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its suitability for diverse professional and formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly highlights the shared aspects and acknowledges any notable differences to avoid misleading the audience. Related alternatives include "generally similar to" and "comparable to", offering nuanced ways to express equivalence. Proper use of this phrase involves recognizing both its utility and potential for misinterpretation if not carefully applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly analogous to

Suggests a less precise comparison than "broadly equivalent to".

generally similar to

Emphasizes the overall similarity but allows for differences in detail.

more or less the same as

Indicates a high degree of similarity but acknowledges minor variations.

comparable to

Highlights the ability to compare two things, often in terms of value or quality.

akin to

Implies a resemblance or similarity in nature or quality.

in the same ballpark as

An informal expression suggesting approximate equivalence.

on a par with

Indicates equality in status or quality.

virtually identical to

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, almost to the point of being the same.

of a similar order of magnitude to

Used when comparing quantities or amounts that are approximately the same.

bears a resemblance to

Highlights a similarity in appearance or character.

FAQs

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

Use "broadly equivalent to" to show that two things are similar in general terms, even if they aren't exactly the same. For example, "The new system is "broadly equivalent to" the old one, but it has some key improvements."

What are some alternatives to "broadly equivalent to"?

You can use alternatives like "roughly analogous to", "generally similar to", or "comparable to" depending on the level of precision you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "broadly equivalent with" instead of "broadly equivalent to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "broadly equivalent" is "to". "Broadly equivalent with" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "broadly equivalent to" and "virtually identical to"?

"Broadly equivalent to" suggests a general similarity, while "virtually identical to" implies a much closer resemblance, almost to the point of being the same.