equal

USAGE SUMMARY

"equal" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone being the same as something else or someone else. For example: "The two teams are equal in number and skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

The equal marriage bill was given an overwhelming second reading by 400 votes to 175, a majority of 225.

The Guardian

He suggested that the Muslim communities he knew felt "under siege" – spied on, interrogated, routinely asked to "put their house in order" as if they were not, and had never been, an equal part of British society.

The Guardian

Forte agreed with Arquette "100%" but said it was difficult to quantify the pay gap, or to know whether fault lay with female actors or agents for not pushing hard enough, or with executives for resisting equal pay.

The Guardian - Film

Male Conservative MPs voted against equal marriage in larger numbers proportionally than their female colleagues, according to a breakdown of the voting figures after the historic debate in parliament.

The Guardian

Tory supporters of equal marriage are making an eleventh hour plea to fellow Conservative MPs to vote in favour of reform by invoking the record of Margaret Thatcher, who supported the legalisation of homosexuality in the 1960s.

The Guardian

A performer and a pest in equal measure.

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, if the new government stands in the way of women achieving equal citizenship they will not simply return to life under the veil, toiling obediently in their homes.

The Guardian

It's more of a problem within smaller organisations that may not have an equal opportunities quota".

The Guardian

So we give them the best chance that we can, teaching them to stand up for themselves, to demand treatment as an equal, and when that is not forthcoming, to do something about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I will be the first to concede that Dreiser does not now look anything like their equal.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equal" to denote exact correspondence in quantity, size, degree, or value. For nuanced comparisons, consider alternatives like "equivalent" or "similar".

Common error

Avoid using "equal" when "similar" or "comparable" would be more accurate. "Equal" implies a precise equivalence, not just a resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The word "equal" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that is the same in quantity, size, degree, or value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equal" functions primarily as an adjective used to denote exact sameness in quantity, size, or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts like news, business, and general communication. When aiming for clarity in your writing, it's best to use "equal" when you want to convey precise equivalence, not just similarity. For cases requiring something more nuanced, consider using alternatives such as "equivalent" or "identical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent

This term directly replaces "equal" to denote having the same value or measure.

identical

Implies being exactly the same, strengthening the sense of sameness conveyed by "equal".

the same as

A more explicit way of stating equality, suitable for simpler constructions.

equivalent to

Similar to "the same as" but often used when comparing values or measurements.

interchangeable

Highlights the ability to substitute one thing for another without changing the outcome, suggesting equality in function or role.

commensurate

Indicates a proportional relationship, where things are "equal" in their respective measures or contributions.

on par with

Conveys that something is at the same level or standard as something else.

akin to

Signifies similarity or resemblance, suggesting a form of "equal" consideration or treatment.

analogous

Highlights a similarity in some respects, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

tantamount to

Expresses that something is virtually "equal" to something else in effect or consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "equal" in a sentence?

You can use "equal" to describe things that are the same in value, amount, or quality. For example, "All citizens should have "equal rights"" or "Two plus two is "equal to" four".

What are some words I can use instead of "equal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "equivalent", "identical", or "the same as". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "equally than"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""equal to"". "Equally than" is not grammatically correct in standard English.

What is the difference between "equal" and "equitable"?

"Equal" means the same in quantity or value, while "equitable" means fair or just. "Equal" treatment means everyone gets the same, but "equitable" treatment means everyone gets what they need to succeed, which may not be the same.