exact equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is identical to another thing in terms of quantity, size, value, etc. For example, "This currency is the exact equivalent of five US dollars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no exact equivalent in English.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is no exact equivalent of this word in the English language.

The New York Times - Arts

Android does not have an exact equivalent, but there are plenty of alternatives.

The New York Times

In this direction, a suitable and novel exact equivalent functions (EF) is introduced.

Scientia Iranica

There isn't always an exact equivalent for a word or phrase: it's the effect of it that matters.

The Guardian - Books

"I believe that the automobile is, today, the almost exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals," wrote Barthes.

The Guardian

The truly exact equivalent would be irrevocably committing to buy an unspecified house at a price to be revealed later.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why was this, he enquired afterwards, only to be told that there was, apparently, "no exact equivalent".

Independent

Homage is paid, above all, to Jean Gabin, who bestrode French films with a nobility that has no exact equivalent on the American screen.

The New Yorker

There is no exact equivalent in the animal world, and though 600 cases have been diagnosed, the disease has crossed multiple generations in only a few families.

The New York Times - Health

Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, but the cold, sweet, creamy stuff that Italians scoop is not an exact equivalent of the American version.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exact equivalent" when you want to emphasize that two things are completely equal in value, measure, or effect. Avoid using it when you only mean 'similar' or 'comparable'.

Common error

Don't use "exact equivalent" when describing something that is merely similar. Reserve it for situations where there's a precise, quantifiable correspondence. For instance, say "a comparable alternative" rather than "an exact equivalent" if the substitute isn't perfectly identical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact equivalent" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, describing something that is precisely equal to something else. Ludwig's examples show the phrase being used in a variety of contexts to emphasize the accuracy of the equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exact equivalent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote a precise equality between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To maintain precision in your writing, reserve "exact equivalent" for scenarios where there is a quantifiable or definitive match, and explore alternatives such as "precise counterpart" or "identical match" when the relationship is less strict. Remember, clarity and accuracy are key when using this phrase. When writing in English, it is important to consider the cultural context and be open to the possibility that direct translation or equivalence may not exist for certain terms or concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise counterpart

Changes the phrasing to emphasize precision and the idea of a matching item.

identical match

Replaces "equivalent" with "match" to highlight the sameness between two things.

perfect substitute

Suggests interchangeability with no loss of function or quality.

direct parallel

Emphasizes a side-by-side correspondence.

carbon copy

A more informal way to indicate an exact duplicate.

accurate representation

Focuses on how well something mirrors or reflects something else.

mirror image

Suggests a reversed but otherwise identical copy.

precise analogue

A more technical term for something that serves a similar function.

dead ringer

An informal term indicating a very close resemblance.

faithful reproduction

Highlights the accuracy and fidelity of the copy.

FAQs

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

You can use "exact equivalent" to describe when something is identical to another thing in terms of quantity, size, or value. For example, "This sum of money is the "exact equivalent" of five US dollars".

What are some alternatives to "exact equivalent"?

Alternatives include "precise counterpart", "identical match", or "perfect substitute", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exact equivalent" or "close equivalent"?

"Exact equivalent" implies a precise match, while "close equivalent" suggests a strong similarity but not necessarily a perfect match. The correct choice depends on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

What's the difference between "exact equivalent" and "equivalent"?

The term "equivalent" means that two or more things are equal in value, function, or meaning. The phrase "exact equivalent" specifies that the equivalence is precise and without any deviation. The addition of "exact" emphasizes the precision.