equal ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'equal ability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two different people, groups, or things having the same level of skill or capacity. For example, "The two candidates for the job were both of equal ability and interviewers found it difficult to decide on the right person for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two athletes, Athlete A and Athlete B, are of equal ability and equally well prepared for an upcoming competition.

Huffington Post

Cells derived from monolayers and spheroids were equally sensitive to the Bim BH3 peptide, confirming an equal ability to activate the apoptotic program.

Cell Death and Disease

"It stabilised around people of equal ability, or equal interest," Mason told me.

Independent

"When you have two guys of equal ability, you'd rather have a left-hander than a right-hander".

The New York Times - Sports

In the 19th century a school of female performers (onna-jōruri) carried on the concert tradition with equal ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Berlusconi exhibits all the campaign characteristics of Ronald Reagan and an equal ability to shrug off inconvenience or embarrassment.

Independent

If there are two riders of equal ability, the one taking EPO will beat the one who remains clean; it is as simple as that.

The New Yorker

A brilliant writer, she slammed and praised with equal ability, coining memorable phrases to castigate those she thought fundamentally untalented and to boost the reputations of her favourites.

The Guardian

He adds the important caveat that ability to publish does not equal ability to be heard, but it's still a tremendous change from recent years.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The purified cleaved hEGF as well as non-cleaved fusion protein were biologically active, which was confirmed by their equal ability to stimulate proliferation of MCF7 cells.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

"The 16 guys that make the semis tomorrow will be of equal ability and it will be whoever produces the goods in each race".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equal ability" when you want to convey that the individuals or entities possess a comparable skill or talent, avoiding implications of superiority or inferiority.

Common error

Be mindful of using "equal ability" when you actually mean "equal opportunity". Ability implies demonstrated skill, while opportunity refers to the chance to develop such skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal ability" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, often referring to a person, group, or object. It indicates a state of having the same level of competence or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equal ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, signifying a comparable level of skill or competence across individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, indicating its neutrality. While it implies similar capabilities, it is important not to confuse it with "equal opportunity", which refers to fairness in chances rather than demonstrated skills. Related phrases, like "comparable skill level" and "equivalent competence", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparable skill level

Focuses on the level of skill, implying similarity rather than exact equality.

equivalent competence

Highlights competence as the aspect being equal, suggesting a professional standard.

matched proficiency

Emphasizes proficiency, or expertise, as the quality being equivalent.

similar aptitude

Shifts the focus to natural aptitude or potential, rather than demonstrated skill.

uniform capability

Highlights the evenness or consistency of the capability.

identical capacity

Stresses the maximum amount that can be contained or produced, implying a limit.

on par

A more informal way of saying something is equivalent to a standard.

balanced skillset

Refers to a set of skills, where each skill is developed to a similar degree.

commensurate talent

Highlights talent, suggesting a natural gift or skill.

alike in capacity

Focuses on potential and abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "equal ability" in a sentence?

You can use "equal ability" to describe individuals or things that have a similar level of skill or competence. For instance, "Despite different backgrounds, the candidates demonstrated "equal ability" in problem-solving".

What are some alternatives to "equal ability"?

Alternatives include "comparable skill level", "equivalent competence", or "matched proficiency". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "equal abilities" instead of "equal ability"?

While "equal ability" is widely accepted, "equal abilities" can be used if you are referring to multiple distinct skills or talents. However, "equal ability" generally covers the concept adequately.

What is the difference between "equal opportunity" and "equal ability"?

"Equal opportunity" refers to everyone having the same chances or prospects, whereas "equal ability" describes a similar level of skill or talent. They are related but distinct concepts; providing "equal opportunity" does not guarantee "equal ability".