equally if not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equally if not" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea that something may be as important or even more important than something else. For example: "It is important that we consider all perspectives, equally if not more important than our own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

House Republicans are equally if not more frugal.

The New York Times

She was equally, if not better, known as a recitalist.

The New York Times - Arts

Other recent advancements in the area of language translation are equally, if not more, impressive.

Columbia University

However, microstructures generated from AM processes can be equally, if not more, complex than their conventionally processed counterparts.

Computational Materials Science

"Equally, if not more so, it's an attempt to isolate the Iranians".

The New York Times

Equally, if not more, famous is Ramcharitmanas ("Holy Lake of the Acts of Rama").

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there are other benefits which are equally, if not more, valuable.

The New York Times

The situation in suburbs and smaller cities and towns is equally, if not more, inequitable.

The New York Times

Equally if not more important is the need to buttress social media with social thinking.

Harvard Business Review

Equally, if not more, valuable is the boost it will give the city's reputation.

The Guardian

They are equally, if not more so, about how they frame their work.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equally if not", ensure that the items being compared are logically comparable. The phrase implies a scale or measure where both items can be placed.

Common error

Avoid using "equally if not" when there is no explicit comparison being made. The phrase requires a clear point of reference to establish relative importance or value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equally if not" functions as an intensifier in comparative constructions. It suggests that the attribute being described is either of the same degree or greater than another implied or explicit attribute. Ludwig AI validates this usage as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

HuffPost

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equally if not" is a versatile phrase used to convey that something is as important, significant, or impactful as something else, or possibly even more so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison is present. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. Be mindful of the contexts to add nuances when stating different attributes with a potential of exceeding the initial comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if not more so

Emphasizes the possibility of exceeding the initial level.

or even more

Directly states the potential for greater importance or extent.

possibly surpassing

Highlights the potential for one thing to exceed another.

perhaps exceeding

Similar to "possibly surpassing" but with a slightly more formal tone.

at least as important as

Focuses on establishing a baseline level of importance.

no less significant than

Highlights comparable significance.

if not surpassing in

Specifically emphasizes the act of exceeding in a particular aspect.

or even exceeding in

Similar to "if not surpassing in" but more direct.

comparable if not superior

Explicitly introduces the possibility of superiority.

at least of equal value

Emphasizes the baseline of equal value, with the implication of potential for more.

FAQs

How can I use "equally if not" in a sentence?

You can use "equally if not" to suggest that something is as important or even more important than something else. For example, "The budget is important, but public safety is "equally if not" more important".

What's the difference between "equally if not" and "or even more"?

"Equally if not" directly compares two items, suggesting similar or greater importance, whereas "or even more" simply indicates the possibility of exceeding a certain level or degree. Consider: "Hard work is important, "equally if not" more important than talent", versus "Hard work is important, "or even more" so".

Which is correct, "equally if not important" or "as important if not more so"?

Both "equally if not important" and "as important if not more so" are acceptable. The first is more concise, while the second is more explicit in its comparison.

What can I say instead of "equally if not"?

You can use alternatives like "if not more so", "or even more", or "at least as important as" depending on the context.