equal first

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal first" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as competitions or rankings to indicate that two or more participants have achieved the same highest score or position. Example: "In the final results, both Sarah and Tom were awarded equal first in the spelling bee competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

He ties for equal first place in the most eye-catching VPL stakes with Beyonce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By putting the staff equal first with the students, you are doing the best you can do for the students.

The Guardian

Equal first is to secure electoral reform so that we are never again presented with such a disgraceful voting choice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here, in equal first place, are 10 of them: A flawless psychological thriller, and the book that made me fall in love with psychological crime fiction.

The Guardian - Books

These were Jeremy Atkin, still very raw but with some exciting flair, and Paul Coker, whose mastery earned him an equal first prize.

The Guardian - Music

Now he is in equal first place in the admittedly meaningless national polls (alongside Wesley Clark who seems to have peaked).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Other factors held equal, first-term members of the House of Representatives tend to over-perform their vote share from the previous cycle as they can exploit the various tangible and intangible advantages that their newly-won incumbency provides them with — a phenomenon known as the sophomore surge.

The New York Times

Cameron Smith and James Maloney were equal sixth on 17 votes.

The Guardian - Sport

One's drying' (PAVE) in equal second place.

The Guardian

Climate change ranked equal third with cyber attacks, at 37%.

The Guardian

Hard work, talent, luck – you need them in equal thirds.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equal first", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being ranked or compared. For example, specify "equal first in the race" or "equal first for the highest score".

Common error

Avoid using "equal first" when the context doesn't explicitly involve a ranking or competition. Ensure it's clear that entities are being compared for a specific position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal first" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a shared top rank or position. Ludwig examples show its common use in contexts of competition, achievement, and academic contribution. Ludwig AI considers it grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equal first" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a shared top position in rankings or competitions. Ludwig examples reveal its frequent occurrence in news reporting, scientific publications, and encyclopedic content. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily adjectival, serving to modify nouns and convey the concept of a tie. While alternatives like "tied for first place" or "joint first place" exist, "equal first" provides a concise way to express the idea of shared leadership or achievement. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being ranked or compared for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tied for first place

This alternative uses "tied" to explicitly state that the entities are at the same ranking, replacing "equal" with "tied" and adding "place" for clarity.

joint first place

Similar to "tied for first place", this option uses "joint" instead of "equal" to convey the shared nature of the ranking, adding "place" to clarify the context.

in a tie for first

This phrase restructures the original to emphasize the state of being in a tie, using a prepositional phrase to describe the ranking.

sharing the top spot

This is a more informal and descriptive way of saying "equal first", focusing on the act of sharing the highest position.

co-first

A shorter, often used in academic publications to indicate shared primary authorship or contribution.

ranked equally first

This option uses the verb "ranked" to explicitly state the assessment of position, reordering the words for emphasis.

level at number one

This variation uses "level" to signify the same rank and specifies "number one" to indicate the top position.

on par for the lead

This phrase uses the idiom "on par" to mean equal, implying they're equally positioned for the lead.

matching for the top position

This option uses "matching" to highlight the equality in achievement, specifying the "top position".

deadlocked in first place

This phrase emphasizes the lack of separation between the entities, using "deadlocked" to convey a strong sense of equality.

FAQs

What does "equal first" mean?

The term "equal first" means that two or more entities share the top position in a ranking or competition. This implies they have achieved the same highest score or level of accomplishment.

Is it better to say "equal first" or "tied for first place"?

Both "equal first" and "tied for first place" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on context and personal preference. "Tied for first place" is more explicit, while "equal first" can be more concise.

What are some alternatives to "equal first"?

You can use alternatives such as "joint first place", "sharing the top spot", or "co-first" depending on the context.

In academic writing, is "equal first" appropriate?

Yes, "equal first" is appropriate in academic writing, particularly in contexts like shared authorship. A more common alternative is "co-first", especially when referring to authors with equal contributions.