equal of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal of" is not a commonly used construction in written English.
It may be grammatically correct in certain contexts, but it is not commonly used as a standalone phrase. A more common construction would be "equal to." Examples: - She was the equal of her competitors in every way. - The two teams were equal of skill, but one ended up winning by luck. - He believed that he was the equal of anyone, regardless of their social status.

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

makes us equal of gods".

The Economist

I'm not the equal of Harper Lee.

Independent

They were simply the equal of men.

The Guardian - Film

Dessert was the equal of any other course.

The New York Times

But Expo 58 is quite the equal of Greene's "entertainment".

The Guardian - Books

Is it the equal of The Shining? Probably not.

The Guardian - Books

It will merely make Coloradans the equal of other Americans.

The New Yorker

And his arm is the equal of his glove.

The New Yorker

For working couples, that's the equal of $25,000.

The New York Times - Magazine

A chameleon the very equal of its wearer.

Independent

Its youth system was, until recently, the equal of Spain.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, specify the criteria for equality to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'This car is the equal of that one', say 'This car is the equal of that one in terms of fuel efficiency'.

Common error

Avoid using "equal of" in highly formal or academic writing. Although technically correct, it can sound less polished compared to "equal to" or other alternatives like "on par with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of equivalence or comparability between two entities. As Ludwig AI has stated, although grammatically correct, this construction isn't as prevalent as the similar phrase "equal to".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "equal of" is grammatically acceptable, it is less common in modern English compared to the more prevalent "equal to". As Ludwig AI has pointed out, this phrase functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate equivalence or comparability. Usage analysis reveals its common occurrence in news and media sources. When writing, especially in formal contexts, consider using "equal to" for better clarity and wider acceptance. Remember to specify the criteria for equality to avoid ambiguity. Despite its validity, "equal of" may sound less polished in academic or highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent to

Replaces "of" with "to", the more standard preposition for expressing equivalence.

as good as

A simple and direct way to express equivalence in quality or performance.

the equivalent of

This variation explicitly uses the noun "equivalent" instead of the adjective "equal".

on par with

Uses a more idiomatic expression to denote being at the same level or standard.

comparable to

Emphasizes the aspect of being able to be compared due to similar qualities.

in the same league as

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a similar level of quality or ability, often used in competitive contexts.

a match for

Indicates someone or something is as good as or can compete with another.

of the same caliber as

Highlights that something is of equivalent quality or ability.

indistinguishable from

Highlights that the two items are so similar that it's difficult to tell them apart.

can hold a candle to

An idiomatic phrase meaning to be nearly as good or impressive as someone or something else, often used in a negative context to indicate inferiority.

FAQs

Is "equal of" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "equal of" is less common than "equal to". The choice depends on context and desired formality.

When should I use "equal to" instead of "equal of"?

In most formal writing and general conversation, "equal to" is preferred. "Equal of" might be suitable in specific, less formal contexts or where it fits the rhythm of the sentence better.

What are some alternatives to "equal of"?

Alternatives include "equivalent to", "on par with", "comparable to", and "as good as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the usage of "equal of" compare to "equal to" in modern English?

"Equal to" is far more frequent in modern usage. While "equal of" isn't incorrect, it may sound unusual or slightly archaic to some native English speakers.