equal numbers of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal numbers of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in any context where you need to compare two or more things, or compare the quantity of two or more things, and state that they are of equal amount. For example: "The class was divided into two teams, with equal numbers of students on each side."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now there are equal numbers of mothers and fathers.

The New York Times - Health

Equal numbers of rival volunteers urge shoppers not to sign.

The Economist

Norway Equal numbers of men and women in the cabinet.

Independent

(2) Equal volumes of gases contain equal numbers of molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There are still not remotely equal numbers of female chief officers," she points out.

The Guardian

Both networks are careful about balance: there are equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats.

The New York Times

However, the merged company's board will have equal numbers of members from each business.

The Guardian - Business

Equal numbers of speakers asserting and denying the existence of such weapons?

The New York Times

"Every film school in the world has equal numbers of boys and girls – but something happens".

The Guardian - Film

The place, populated today by roughly equal numbers of blacks and whites, is dripping with history.

The New York Times - Travel

There were equal numbers of men and women in the cabinet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing groups, ensure the context clearly defines what is being counted. For example, specify "equal numbers of students" rather than just "equal numbers" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "equal numbers of" with uncountable nouns. Instead of "equal numbers of water", use "equal amounts of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal numbers of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the quantity of a noun. It modifies the noun to indicate that two or more groups have the same quantity. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

42%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equal numbers of" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express equivalence in quantity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to academic discussions and business communications. When writing, keep in mind that while it is generally safe to use in different situations, it's more appropriate to use in formal settings or precise descriptions. Additionally, remember to avoid using it with uncountable nouns. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "equal numbers of" into your writing to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent quantity of

Replaces "numbers" with "quantity", focusing on the amount rather than the count.

identical amounts of

Substitutes "equal numbers" with "identical amounts", emphasizing the sameness in quantity.

same quantity of

Uses "same quantity" to convey that the quantities are not just equal, but the very same.

balanced proportion of

Emphasizes the proportional aspect of having equal numbers, often used in contexts requiring equilibrium.

an even amount of

Replaces "equal numbers" with "an even amount", simplifying the language and suitable for general contexts.

the same quantity as

Highlights that the quantities are identical.

a similar number of

Indicates the numbers are close to equal but not necessarily exactly the same.

comparable quantities of

Focuses on the comparability of the quantities, suggesting they are of a similar scale.

matching quantities of

Replaces "equal" with "matching", suggesting that the quantities correspond or align with each other.

a parity of

Parity is used when referring to the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay.

FAQs

How can I use "equal numbers of" in a sentence?

Use "equal numbers of" to indicate that two or more groups have the same quantity of something. For example, "The experiment required "equal numbers of" male and female participants."

What are some alternatives to "equal numbers of"?

You can use alternatives like "equivalent quantity of", "identical amounts of", or "balanced proportion of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "an equal number of" instead of "equal numbers of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "equal numbers of" is used when referring to multiple items or people, whereas "an equal number of" is used when referring to a singular group with a specific quantity. For example, "Equal numbers of students" vs. "An equal number of students attended each session".

What's the difference between "equal numbers of" and "similar numbers of"?

"Equal numbers of" indicates that the quantities are precisely the same, while "similar numbers of" suggests that the quantities are close but not necessarily identical.