exactly equal

USAGE SUMMARY

"exactly equal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, it can be used when comparing two things that are numerically or functionally identical.
For example, "The two sides of the equation must be exactly equal in order for it to be true."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It didn't have to be exactly equal.

The New Yorker

We are exactly equal, but we're not the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was worried and not worried in exactly equal measure.

The New York Times - Health

Because the entropy is not exactly equal to any fraction, no code exists whose average length is exactly equal to the entropy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Note, they are not expected to be exactly equal since the packet sizes are different.

Stanford University

It gives you a reward that is exactly equal to the effort you put into it".

The Guardian - Books

She wants to talk about Iraq and not talk about Iraq in exactly equal measure.

The Guardian - Film

In other words, men and women are known to experience fertility problems at exactly equal rates.

The Guardian - Tech

We may not all be created exactly equal in our exterior beauty.

The New York Times

The game is even, shooter and fader having exactly equal chances of winning.

Britannica

Why aren't day and night exactly equal, as the name implies?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exactly equal", ensure that the context requires a strict and precise equivalence, as opposed to a general similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly equal" when dealing with values that are merely close or approximate. Using terms like "nearly equal" or "approximately equal" will be more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly equal" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate precise equivalence. It emphasizes that two or more entities are identical in some measurable or quantifiable aspect. Ludwig provides many examples to prove that.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly equal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies precise equivalence, emphasizing that two or more entities are identical in a measurable aspect. While versatile, its usage leans towards formal and scientific contexts where accuracy is paramount. Common errors involve misapplication to approximations, where alternatives like "nearly equal" are more appropriate. Ludwig's many examples from sources like the New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica reinforce its validity and contextual adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly equivalent

Emphasizes the flawless nature of the equivalence.

precisely the same

Highlights the accuracy and lack of deviation.

identically equivalent

Stresses the indistinguishable nature of the entities.

absolutely identical

Underscores the completeness of the match.

completely uniform

Implies a lack of any variation across the compared items.

in complete agreement

Focuses on the alignment of values or opinions.

correspond one-to-one

Highlights a direct and singular relationship between elements.

equal in every respect

Stresses equality across all measurable or relevant criteria.

equivalent without exception

Eliminates any possibility of difference or discrepancy.

same in all aspects

Broadly captures the idea of comprehensive similarity.

FAQs

How to use "exactly equal" in a sentence?

Use "exactly equal" when you want to emphasize that two things are identical in value, amount, or degree. For instance, "The angles in an equilateral triangle are "exactly equal"."

What can I say instead of "exactly equal"?

You can use alternatives like "precisely the same", "perfectly equivalent", or "identically equivalent" depending on the specific context. Consider using "perfectly equivalent" when highlighting flawless nature of equivalence.

Which is correct, "exactly equal" or "approximately equal"?

The choice between "exactly equal" and "approximately equal" depends on the context. Use "exactly equal" when the values are identical. Use "approximately equal" when the values are close but not identical.

What's the difference between "exactly equal" and "nearly equal"?

"Exactly equal" means there is no difference between the two things being compared. "Nearly equal", on the other hand, suggests that the two things are close in value but not precisely the same. Use "nearly equal" when you want to show an approximation.