equal to what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal to what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for clarification or specifics about a comparison or equivalence. Example: "The results of the experiment were surprising, but I need to know what they are equal to what we expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is T equal to what?

Yale University

It's equal to what the marginal buyer thinks it's worth.

Yale University

We find that profit in equilibrium is equal to what?

Yale University

If δ = 0, W** is equal to what?

Yale University

f(x) is equal to, what is this right-hand side?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Well, q1Z has to be less than or equal to, what does he have?

Yale University

Tthere was a Texan down here somewhere, what is it they set equal to what?

Yale University

That's equal to what Volkswagen is currently worth and just shy of Ford's market capitalization.

The New York Times

C / [V + C] but that's equal to what? 0, okay good.

Yale University

In Bolaño's world, what is imagined is equal to what is enacted; reality is provisional.

The New Yorker

Private companies operating public schools on contract now demand fees equal to what public schools spend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equal to what" to directly question the basis of comparison when assessing equivalence or similarity. This helps ensure clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "equal to what" when a direct comparison is not intended. Ensure the items being compared are actually comparable, or rephrase for a more appropriate relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal to what" functions as an interrogative phrase prompting specification of a comparison point. It seeks clarification on the basis for establishing equivalence, aligning with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

42%

News & Media

54%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equal to what" serves as a direct and versatile means to seek clarification regarding a comparison or equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and general conversation. While "equivalent to what" offers a slightly more formal alternative, understanding the nuances of its usage ensures clarity and precision in writing and communication. When prompting for the explicit parameter of the comparison consider the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent to what

Replaces "equal" with "equivalent", emphasizing the sameness in value or measure.

comparable to what

Substitutes "equal" with "comparable", focusing on similarity rather than exact equality.

the same as what

Uses a more common and direct expression to indicate equivalence.

amounting to what

Emphasizes the total or sum being equivalent to a specific value.

akin to what

Implies a resemblance or similarity, but not necessarily exact equality.

corresponding to what

Highlights a direct relationship or match between two items.

matching what

Focuses on the act of finding something that corresponds in quality or quantity.

in line with what

Suggests that something is in agreement or conformity with a standard or expectation.

on par with what

Indicates that something is at the same level or standard as something else.

relative to what

Positions something in comparison to another, implying a relationship in scale or importance.

FAQs

What does "equal to what" mean?

The phrase "equal to what" is used to ask for a specific value or item that something is being compared to in terms of equivalence. It prompts clarification about the basis of a comparison.

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

You can use "equal to what" when seeking to understand what something is being compared to. For example: "The cost of the repair was "equal to what" I paid for the car."

Which is correct, "equal to what" or "equivalent to what"?

Both "equal to what" and "equivalent to what" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Equivalent to what" might sound slightly more formal, but the meaning is the same.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "equal to what"?

Some alternatives include "comparable to what", "the same as what", or "amounting to what", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.