equal legitimacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal legitimacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the validity or acceptance of different ideas, beliefs, or practices as being equally valid or deserving of respect. Example: "In a democratic society, all viewpoints should be given equal legitimacy in public discourse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Currently, the leader of the Liberal Democrats is pushing for a most dubious "reform", for if peers were to be elected then the Lords could claim equal legitimacy.

The Guardian

He resisted papal urgings to take sides against Otto's successor, Frederick II, believing in the equal legitimacy of empire and papacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For essential to morality is that its norms apply with equal legitimacy to everyone; moral relativism, it has always seemed to me, is an oxymoron.

The New York Times

The Agreement will help bring this about by providing a framework for a new political dispensation which recognises the full and equal legitimacy of our different identities and aspirations.

The Guardian

If the polls are right, and the SNP is returned as Scotland's majority party, we must respect that choice – and would expect all parties that believe in the union, and the equal legitimacy of all its citizens, to do the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, does granting equal legitimacy to standpoints defined with reference to biological differences lead to irresolvable and debilitating epistemological relativism?

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some are concerned that HRQL tools may not precisely identify the most important problems yet, from an economic and existential point of view, it is conceded that patients' perception has equal validity and legitimacy to that of physicians [ 41].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

For members of the field at this pole, studies targeted at issues from outside the community of scientists have a legitimacy equal to or greater than those that are immediately relevant only to the community of scientists themselves.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

There is a pressing need for reform, the report argues, in order to deliver democratic legitimacy, fairness, equal opportunities and better justice.

The Guardian

Botswana's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the Southern African Development Community's decision to invite Mr. Mugabe and others in his government to the meeting was "equal to giving them legitimacy".

The New York Times

In them, citizens deliberate as free and equal persons, for whom the legitimacy of the decision is related to the achievement of a "rational consensus".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equal legitimacy", ensure that the context clearly establishes the criteria by which legitimacy is being assessed. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "equal legitimacy" when the entities being compared clearly have differing levels of support or justification. Misapplying the phrase can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal legitimacy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing the status or acceptance of different concepts, entities, or viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equal legitimacy" is a grammatically sound noun phrase employed to advocate for fairness and objectivity in evaluating different perspectives or entities. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, its frequency is uncommon. It is important to apply the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context warrants an equal consideration of the entities being compared. Misuse can weaken arguments. Usage is most common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent validity

Replaces "legitimacy" with "validity", emphasizing the equal truth or factual basis.

equal validity

Similar to "equivalent validity", but focuses on equal truth or factual basis.

equivalent legitimacy

Focuses on the similarity rather than the equality of legitimacy.

equal standing

Shifts the focus to equal status or rank, especially in a hierarchical context.

equal acceptance

Focuses on the concept of being equally accepted or approved.

equal recognition

Highlights the aspect of being equally recognized or acknowledged.

equivalent recognition

Similar to "equal recognition", but focuses on the similarity of recognition.

comparable legitimacy

Indicates a similar level of legitimacy, though not necessarily perfectly equal.

similar validity

Indicates a similar level of validity but not strictly equal.

commensurate legitimacy

Suggests a legitimacy that is proportional or corresponding in measure or degree.

FAQs

How can "equal legitimacy" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "equal legitimacy" is used to suggest that different concepts, entities, or viewpoints should be considered as equally valid. For example, "The debate centered on whether to grant "equal legitimacy" to both traditional and modern interpretations of the law."

What are some alternatives to "equal legitimacy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "equivalent validity", "equal standing", or "equal recognition". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "equal legitimacy" in formal writing?

Yes, "equal legitimacy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in academic, political, or philosophical contexts where the validity or acceptance of different concepts is being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples from reliable sources.

What distinguishes "equal legitimacy" from "similar legitimacy"?

"Equal legitimacy" implies that two or more things have the same level of validity or acceptance. "Similar legitimacy" suggests that they have a comparable level of validity, but not necessarily exactly the same. Choose "equal legitimacy" when you want to emphasize that there's no significant difference in their justification, and choose "similar legitimacy" when you want to show similar levels but not the same.