equaled only by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equaled only by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is as significant or impressive as the other, but not more so. Example: "Her dedication to the project was equaled only by her passion for helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Which is equaled only by grandparental love.

The New York Times

(Mengers's love of celebrity was perhaps equaled only by her affection for marijuana).

The New York Times

The immensity of the gathering was equaled only by its absolute order and good behavior.

The New York Times

One problem with the debate is that the earnestness of the proponents is equaled only by their lack of pizazz.

The New York Times

Gun rights are probably equaled only by abortion rights in their ability to split Democrats and create political havoc.

The New York Times

There is a purity of nature and chemistry at work that is equaled only by fine perfumery.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The Fukinenese quisine is equalled only by the Cantonese.

The New Yorker

His passion for music was perhaps equalled only by his love of humour.

The Guardian - Music

Still, it was a fifth 4x400m double for the US, a record equalled only by … oh.

The Guardian - Sport

The problems of choice are equalled only by those of criteria.

The Guardian - Books

His self-criticism is equalled only by his pleasure in indulging in it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the comparison made with "equaled only by" is logical and relevant to the context. The two items being compared should have a clear connection for the phrase to be effective.

Common error

Avoid using "equaled only by" when the items being compared are not genuinely comparable. For example, comparing abstract concepts to concrete objects can create a nonsensical statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equaled only by" functions as a comparative, highlighting that something is on par with something else, suggesting a high degree of similarity in a specific attribute. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equaled only by" serves to make a comparison that suggests something is notable, but not entirely unique in its quality or significance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, suggesting a versatile yet relatively formal tone. When writing, ensure the comparison is logical and that both items are clearly defined. Remember that alternatives like "matched only by" and "surpassed only by" offer slight nuances in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Matched only by

Uses 'matched' instead of 'equaled', suggesting a similar level of achievement or quality.

Second only to

Emphasizes that something is in a close second position.

Rivaled only by

Highlights the competition or comparison between two things.

Surpassed only by

Indicates something almost reaches the top, but is slightly less than something else.

Comparable only to

Suggests that the thing to which it is being compared is similar in almost every aspect.

Equaled by few

Highlights the rarity of something being matched.

On par with

Suggests the things being compared have a same level of quality or importance.

Unmatched except for

Implies the first item stands alone, save for one exception.

Approached only by

Indicates that the first item comes close to the second, but doesn't equal it.

Nearly as great as

Signifies that something almost has the same level of greatness, while not quite reaching it.

FAQs

How can I use "equaled only by" in a sentence?

Use "equaled only by" to show that something is almost unique in its kind or quality. For example: "His dedication to the project was "equaled only by" his passion for helping others".

What are some alternatives to "equaled only by"?

You can use phrases like "matched only by", "surpassed only by", or "second only to" to express a similar comparison.

Is it correct to say "equaled by only" instead of "equaled only by"?

While "equaled by only" might be understood, ""equaled only by"" is the more standard and grammatically accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "equaled only by" and "surpassed only by"?

"Equaled only by" indicates a tie in quality or significance, while "surpassed only by" means something is slightly better than the rest.