equal to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone or something has the same value, status, or quality as another person or thing. Example: "In terms of skill and talent, she is equal to him in every way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Everything is equal to him, too, but in a different way from Adams.

The Guardian

45 min: The Argentinians pour forward, and Batistuta challenges for a high ball in the box, but Seaman is equal to him.

The Guardian - Sport

His companion, "Angel No. 2," is equal to him, fashioned in the same mix of components (including a bright red crustacean arm), but sporting a helmetlike head with a single Cyclops eye.

The New York Times - Arts

An Irish veteran could "take his stand proudly by the side of the native-born, and will not fear to look him straight and sternly in the face, and tell him that he has been equal to him in his allegiance to the Constitution," he said.

The New York Times

"One hundred years ago this very year," I wibble on in the mock cockney of a London Dungeon tour guide, "poor Emily Wilding Davison 'ad her skull cracked open by the king's 'orse so you (I waggle a finger menacingly at the girls) are equal to him (the craggy finger turns to Syd)." There are mumurs of interest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is all equal to him, or at least he never draws more attention to one subject than another, yet one feels he knows these Memphis folks of old: the sullen belle, the hippy chick, the president of the Singing Cowboy fan club.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Further, perfectionists can argue that it is no insult to a person's status as a moral equal to treat him in ways that presume that his rational capacities are not perfect, but subject to error.

SEP

Matzo drama, by contrast, was thin and spare; it required what Mr. Kushner called a "spiritual discipline" that he didn't feel equal to, and to him the quintessential "matzo of a playwright" was Samuel Beckett.

The New York Times

We're equal to them.

The New York Times

The 19th century German Torah giant Rabbi Sampson Raphael Hirsch expounded this verse unequivocally in support of the fundamental equality of men and women, "Although all living creatures were created in both sexes, this is only stressed at human beings to lay down the fact that both sexes were created equally, directly by G-d, and in equal likeness to Him".

Huffington Post

In any case, Sacchi gave equal billing to him, and to the musical instruments in the painting, as to Apollo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equal to him", ensure that the context clearly establishes the basis of comparison, such as skill, status, or value. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "equal to him" when the basis for comparison is subjective or ill-defined. Instead, provide specific metrics or criteria to support the claim of equality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal to him" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a noun, asserting that it possesses the same qualities, status, or value as the male person referenced. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equal to him" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express equivalence between something and a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Usage is uncommon, appearing most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the basis of comparison is evident. While it is acceptable, more inclusive language may be preferred in some contexts. Alternatives like "on par with him" or "comparable to him" are available to express similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on par with him

Indicates a similar level of achievement or status, but focuses more on comparative ranking.

comparable to him

Highlights similarities in qualities or characteristics, suggesting a general likeness.

his equivalent

Emphasizes that someone or something else serves the same purpose or function.

a match for him

Suggests someone who can compete or contend with him effectively.

in his league

Indicates that someone is at the same level of skill or importance.

as good as him

A more informal way of expressing equal ability or quality.

the same caliber as him

Focuses on the quality or standard of someone or something.

no different from him

Highlights the lack of distinction or variance between two entities.

identical to him

Suggests an exact correspondence or duplication.

bears comparison to him

Implies that a comparison is valid and relevant, often highlighting notable similarities.

FAQs

How can I use "equal to him" in a sentence?

Use "equal to him" to indicate that someone or something possesses the same qualities, status, or value as a specific male individual. For example, "In terms of leadership, she is "equal to him"".

What are some alternatives to "equal to him"?

Alternatives include "on par with him", "comparable to him", or "a match for him", depending on the specific context you're aiming to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "equal to him"?

While grammatically correct, "equal to him" might not always be the most inclusive phrasing. Consider whether a gender-neutral alternative like "equal to them" or "on par with the team" would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "equal to him" and "superior to him"?

"Equal to him" implies a level of parity or sameness in a specific aspect, while "superior to him" indicates that someone or something exceeds him in that same aspect, such as skill or authority. They represent opposing relationships on a comparative scale.