equals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical contexts or when indicating equivalence between two things. Example: "In this equation, x equals 5."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a presidential setting there is a little bit more room now for a marriage of equals, as we see when Michelle Obama outshines her husband with brilliant speeches.

The Guardian - Opinion

The language of description is always a matter of equivalence (a word equals the thing it describes) and so cannot contend with the sublime.

The Guardian - Books

"The saying that a healthy body equals a healthy mind is absolutely true," says Quentin Sloper, head of sport, music and drama at Durham University.

The Guardian

"Transfield has been an exemplary corporate citizen and its record of philanthropic support for arts companies and events has few equals in Australia," the letter said.

The Guardian

Aleksandr Petrovsky Mikhail Baryshnikov in the Rag & Bone campaign equals the perfect excuse to revisit the SATC character.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they are also took part in all our discussions about routes and destinations, engaging with the adults as equals.

The Guardian - Travel

The number of lost Leonardo works almost equals his known paintings.

The Guardian - Arts

We stand shoulder to shoulder with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in their efforts to live here in freedom and safety, to contribute to society and be treated as equals.

The Guardian

I have been wearing two pairs of flares, in real life: a new silky high-waisted black pair, £39.99 from Zara (it says wide-leg trousers on the website, but since the width of my thigh equals that of the trousers, they are definitely flares in my book) and an old pair of Made In Heaven flared jeans which are flat-fronted with a double row of gold buttons down each hipbone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as I grew older I understood the English did not see the UK as a partnership of equals.

The Guardian

First, the movement away from the medieval and early modern understanding of marriage as a property transaction, in which a father gave away a daughter to another man for dynastic purposes, towards a contract of equals for the relief of loneliness and "conversation", to use Milton's word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equals" in mathematical or logical contexts, ensure clarity by precisely defining the terms being equated. For general writing, verify the context and connotations align with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "equals" in descriptive writing; instead, use alternatives such as "is equivalent to" or "represents" to provide nuance and precision depending on the context. This enriches the writing and prevents it from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "equals" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of 'equal.' It indicates a state of equivalence or identity between two entities, values, or concepts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from mathematical equations to abstract relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "equals" is a versatile verb used to denote equivalence, identity, or result. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. Its grammatical correctness is confirmed, with usage spanning from formal mathematical expressions to more informal conversational contexts. While "equals" is commonly used, consider using alternatives such as ""is equal to"" or ""amounts to"" for enhanced clarity and precision. To avoid monotony, diversify your writing by employing a range of synonymous expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equal to

Emphasizes the state of being equivalent in value, amount, or degree.

is equivalent to

Highlights the interchangeable nature or the same effect.

equates to

Similar to "equals" but may emphasize a conversion or transformation.

amounts to

Focuses on the final result or total.

is the same as

Stresses identical characteristics or values.

corresponds to

Indicates a direct relationship or matching connection.

represents

Focuses on symbolic or indicative meaning.

is tantamount to

Highlights near equivalence, often in severe or consequential situations.

yields

Focuses on the outcome or production of something.

is defined as

Emphasizes the conceptual or formal meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "equals" in a sentence?

"Equals" can be used to show equivalence, as in "A healthy body "equals a healthy mind"", or in mathematical contexts, like "2 + 2 equals 4".

What can I say instead of "equals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is equal to", "is equivalent to", or "amounts to".

Which is correct, "equals" or "is equal to"?

Both are correct, but ""is equal to"" is generally more formal and might be preferred in academic or professional writing. "Equals" is often used in mathematical equations or informal contexts.

What's the difference between "equals" and "represents"?

"Equals" usually denotes direct equivalence. "Represents" implies that something stands for or symbolizes something else, which may not be a perfect equivalence.