equivalent ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"equivalent ability" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing the idea that two different people, or two versions of the same person, possess the same level of skill or intelligence. For example, "Despite having years of experience in the field, her newly-hired assistant has an equivalent ability to the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

As other research for the Dearing committee found, students' "investment" in their higher education, in the form of the money they borrow and the earnings they forgo while studying, currently produces a real return, after graduation, of 11-14%, in the form of higher pay compared with that of non-graduates of equivalent ability.

The Economist

I know we are not supposed to go on about class, but Cameron has also confirmed my opinion about the attributes that emerge from a 'top' public school education – a distorted sense of entitlement and overwhelming self confidence that is rarely matched by equivalent ability.

Independent

Then, the situation is considered where all teams are supposed to have an equivalent ability.

Structural Safety

By possessing similar hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values, these polymeric emulsifiers have an equivalent ability to stabilize squalane/water interfaces during emulsification.

Polymer Degradation and Stability

However, differences between experts and novices on a long-term memory task were mainly due to changes in response criteria, because experts and novices showed equivalent ability to discriminate prints in a long-term memory task.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The different numbers of participants in the groups resulted from the subjects from the first round of testing being hypothecated in advance to different forms of the multiple choice test, in an effort to achieve equivalent ability groups.

Language Testing in Asia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The ANOVA revealed no significant effect of genotype or genotype x time interaction, which indicates equivalent abilities of habituation in a new environment and equivalent basal level of locomotion.

Plosone

Although starting music lessons by age 7 was associated with enhanced note-naming accuracy, equivalent abilities were evident among listeners who started music lessons on piano at a later age.

Plosone

The construct to be measured is equivalent to "ability for use" (Bachman 2007, p. 56).

Language Testing in Asia

A precast connection concept, which is equivalent in ability but is more efficient compared to that of the isolation concept, was developed by Precast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS) in USA.

Procedia Engineering

These proteins were unable to catalyze Pro racemization but exhibited equivalent strong ability to perform epimerization of both OH-L-Pro and OH-D-Pro (Figure 2 C and 2D).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skills, ensure that the context and criteria for evaluation are clearly defined to accurately represent "equivalent ability".

Common error

Avoid stating that individuals or groups have "equivalent ability" without providing evidence or a clear basis for comparison. Equivalence must be justified with measurable criteria or observable performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equivalent ability" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "equivalent" modifies the noun "ability". It describes a state of having a similar or comparable skill level. As per Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

17%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "equivalent ability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a comparable skill level between individuals or entities. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples across diverse domains like science, news, and formal business, confirms its validity and utility. While synonyms such as "comparable skill level" or "equal competence" may offer subtle differences in meaning, the phrase remains a versatile and reliable choice for expressing similarity in capability. When using the phrase, ensure that the basis for comparison is clear and justifiable to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparable skill level

Emphasizes the degree of skill being nearly the same.

equal competence

Highlights the equal level of proficiency.

matching expertise

Focuses on the similar depth of knowledge and skill.

similar proficiency

Underscores the resemblance in skill and expertise.

identical capability

Stresses the exact same level of capability.

parallel aptitude

Highlights the parallel nature of the natural talent or capacity.

commensurate skill

Indicates a skill that is in proportion or corresponding.

corresponding competence

Highlights competence that aligns or agrees in measure.

alike in skill

Directly states the similarity in terms of skill.

on par capability

Informally suggests that the capability is at the same level or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "equivalent ability" in a sentence?

You can use "equivalent ability" to compare the skill levels of different individuals or groups. For example, "Both candidates demonstrated "equivalent ability" in problem-solving during the interview."

What is another way to say "equivalent ability"?

Alternatives include "comparable skill level", "equal competence", or "matching expertise" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "equivalent ability" or "equal ability"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "equivalent ability" often implies a more nuanced comparison where skills are similar in effect or value, whereas "equal ability" suggests they are precisely the same. Context determines the better choice.

How do I determine if two people have "equivalent ability"?

Assess their performance against a set of standardized criteria. Look for similar outcomes, problem-solving approaches, and levels of understanding in the tasks they undertake. Objective assessment is crucial.