equal to that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal to that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one thing is equivalent or comparable to another in some way. Example: "The value of the assets is equal to that of the liabilities, indicating a balanced financial statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Sir John was equal to that.

The Economist

The highest atmospheric density on Mars is equal to that found 35 km above Earth's surface.

Wikipedia

We must prove we are equal to that challenge".

The New York Times

[13] Conveniently equal to that conventional unit of size — Belgium.

The New York Times

Neither side at Newcastle was equal to that basic requirement.

The New York Times - Sports

The lighting bill for the evening was equal to that of 1500 housholders.

The New Yorker

(Miranda's Spanish is good, but not equal to that of a native speaker).

The New Yorker

The increase was roughly equal to that from 2001 to 2002.

The New York Times

He rated the effectiveness of no-radio signs as equal to that of more sophisticated devices.

The New York Times

"In a practical sense, his responsibility was equal to that of a president," Mr. Hanawa said.

The New York Times

It has a naturalness and grace equal to that of many Renaissance Madonnas or Baroque portraits.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equal to that", ensure the comparison is clear and the context provides sufficient information about what is being compared. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "equal to that" when the context lacks a clear point of reference for the comparison. For instance, instead of saying "The price is equal to that", specify "The price is equal to that of similar models" to provide a concrete basis for the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal to that" serves as a comparative adjective phrase. It establishes equivalence between two entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signifies that the qualities or quantities of two things are the same. The phrase is frequently used in comparisons across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equal to that" is a versatile and frequently used comparative phrase that indicates equivalence between two elements. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across a range of contexts. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. To ensure clarity, it’s crucial to provide a clear point of reference for the comparison. Alternatives like "equivalent to that" or "comparable to that" offer similar meanings, making "equal to that" a reliable choice for expressing comparability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same as that

Directly states that two things are identical.

equivalent to that

Uses a different adjective to convey the same meaning of equivalence.

identical to that

Emphasizes the complete sameness of two things.

comparable to that

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, though not necessarily perfect equality.

on par with that

Idiomatic expression indicating equality in status or quality.

matches that

Focuses on the idea of correspondence or agreement in some aspect.

bears comparison to that

Implies that something is worthy of being compared, suggesting a level of equality or similarity.

in line with that

Indicates agreement or conformity, suggesting a similarity in direction or purpose.

uniform with that

Highlights a consistent similarity or sameness across different elements.

akin to that

Suggests a resemblance or similarity in nature or character.

FAQs

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

You can use "equal to that" to show similarity in value, amount, or degree between two things. For instance, "The power produced by the three engines is equal to that from 12 Hoover Dams."

What's a good alternative to "equal to that"?

Alternatives include "equivalent to that", "comparable to that", or "the same as that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "that" refers to when using "equal to that"?

Yes, for clarity, it's important to ensure that "that" has a clear antecedent. Vague references can confuse the reader. If the antecedent is not immediately clear, rephrase the sentence to explicitly state what is being compared.

How does "equal to that" differ from "similar to that"?

"Equal to that" indicates a precise equivalence, while "similar to that" suggests a resemblance without necessarily implying exact equality. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship you intend to describe.