equal footing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'equal footing with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you want to emphasize that two or more individuals or groups are on an equal level, such as in the following example: "By working together, we can put our teams on an equal footing with the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is rare; it puts the public on equal footing with the judges for once.

The Guardian - Arts

No government Cameron leads will put democracy on an equal footing with terrorism.

The Guardian

The Care Act puts carers on an equal footing with those who have care needs.

The Guardian

"Locating abroad puts us on an equal footing with domestic suppliers" in those countries.

The New York Times

And that was it, three awards, putting it on equal footing with King Kong.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Cohen criticized the French for giving the rebels equal footing with the Ivoirian government.

The New York Times

"But I wanted to put them on an equal footing with others.

The New York Times

I wanted Russia to be on equal footing with the west".

The Guardian

"Without an incumbent, we're on an equal footing with them going into November".

The New York Times

In Paraguay, an indigenous language on equal footing with Spanish continues to thrive.

The New York Times

He would then be on an equal footing with any other candidate, Mr. Thompson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equal footing with" to clearly indicate that different entities have the same rights, opportunities, or status. For clarity, specify which aspects are being equalized.

Common error

Avoid assuming that putting two entities on an "equal footing with" each other automatically addresses all disparities. Clearly define the specific areas where equality is being established to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal footing with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of equality between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English, serving to emphasize a balanced relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equal footing with" is a prepositional phrase that indicates a state of equality between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It’s frequently used in news, academic, and business contexts to convey fairness and equivalence. While versatile, clarity is crucial when specifying the aspects being equalized to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives include phrases like "on par with" and "on equal terms with". As one of the most authoritative English language tools, Ludwig provides clear examples and usage guidelines, ensuring writers can confidently and accurately employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on equal terms with

Focuses on the fairness and impartiality of the relationship.

on par with

Indicates a similar level or standard, emphasizing comparability.

on a level playing field with

Highlights the fairness and impartiality of the competition.

on the same level as

Highlights the equivalence in status or achievement.

equivalent to

Emphasizes the interchangeability or functional sameness.

in the same league as

Indicates a similar level of performance or quality.

comparable to

Suggests a degree of similarity that allows for comparison.

on a similar plane to

Highlights that two things are at the same stage or importance.

bears comparison with

Highlights that a thing can be judged agains another.

matches up to

Highlights that one thing is as good as another.

FAQs

How can I use "equal footing with" in a sentence?

Use "equal footing with" to show that two or more parties have the same status or opportunities. For example, "The new law puts small businesses on an "equal footing with" larger corporations".

What are some alternatives to "equal footing with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on par with", "on equal terms with", or "on the same level as", which all convey a sense of equivalence or equality.

Is it always appropriate to use "equal footing with" in formal writing?

Yes, "equal footing with" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the context clearly defines what aspects are being equalized to avoid ambiguity. Using more formal synonyms like "equivalent to" might sometimes be preferable depending on the context.

What's the difference between "equal footing with" and "equal basis with"?

"Equal footing with" and "equal basis with" are very similar. "Equal footing" often implies a sense of competition or comparison, whereas "equal basis" can refer to a more fundamental or foundational equality.