equivalent to what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equivalent to what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for clarification or comparison regarding something's equivalence or similarity to another thing. Example: "Can you explain what you mean by that? I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say it's equivalent to what."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a disaster equivalent to what just happened.

The New York Times

This is essentially equivalent to what is promised in the title.

Journal of Functional Analysis

In this sense, it is equivalent to what social scientists term socialization or enculturation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mrs. Jackson seeks damages equivalent to what her son might have earned had he lived.

The New York Times

The previous training must be equivalent to what is required of the department's M.A. recipients.

Columbia University

Convolution in the spatial domain is equivalent to what operation in the frequency domain?

Princeton University

And that would be equivalent to what we did with a previous change of variables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Whatever operates there is the equivalent to what one used to call love life.

The New York Times - Magazine

These details may be equivalent to what she brings to the production.

The Guardian - Music

"It was pretty much equivalent to what other recent studies had showed," he said.

The New York Times

"This free-trade agreement cannot be equivalent to what exists today.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "equivalent to what" when you want to draw a direct comparison, ensuring the items being compared share a similar value, function, or impact. This phrase adds clarity and precision to your statements.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "equivalent to what" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "similar to" or "like" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equivalent to what" primarily functions as a comparative phrase, used to establish a relationship of similarity or equivalence between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to highlight the degree to which things share a value or function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equivalent to what" is a versatile tool for making comparisons across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, science and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you clearly define the basis of equivalence to avoid ambiguity. While "equivalent to what" enjoys widespread use, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and its presence across diverse fields underscore its value in expressing similarity and establishing common understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparable to what

Focuses on similarity in quality or characteristics rather than strict equivalence.

equal to what

Emphasizes precise equality in value or measure.

tantamount to what

Highlights the equivalence in effect or consequence.

corresponding to what

Indicates a direct relationship or match.

analogous to what

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, but not necessarily identical.

akin to what

Implies a resemblance or similarity in nature or quality.

on par with what

Indicates being at the same level or standard.

commensurate with what

Suggests a proportional or corresponding relationship.

in line with what

Focuses on being in agreement or conformity.

matches what

Highlights a correspondence or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "equivalent to what" to compare the value, function, or impact of two things. For example, "The cost of the repair was equivalent to what I paid for the car".

What are some alternatives to "equivalent to what"?

You can use alternatives like "comparable to what", "equal to what", or "similar to what" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "equal to what" suggests a precise match, while "equivalent to what" implies a similarity in value or effect. Choose the one that best fits the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "equivalent to what" and "comparable to what"?

"Equivalent to what" suggests a strong degree of similarity, often implying the same value or effect. "Comparable to what", on the other hand, indicates that things are similar enough to be worth comparing, but not necessarily the same.