in equal proportions

USAGE SUMMARY

"in equal proportions" is a correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that two or more things are being divided up in equal amounts. For example, "The ingredients were mixed in equal proportions to create the perfect flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Supplements were fed in equal proportions twice daily.

Journal of Dairy Science

They would look to be in equal proportions.

The New York Times

You can at least aspire to be liked in equal proportions by both sexes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The recording, a real ethnic potpourri, is hilarious and hypnotic in equal proportions.

The New York Times

Industry and the state are paying the bonds off in equal proportions.

The New York Times

So now rock'n'roll was morally bankrupt and commercially discredited in equal proportions.

The Guardian - Music

The operating system is both refined and a mess in equal proportions.

The Guardian - Tech

First, GF animals were recolonized with the five main hydra bacteria strains combined in equal proportions.

Nature

Bates pushes her character this way and that, dispensing kindness and threat in equal proportions.

The Guardian - Film

Multiple samples were pooled together in equal proportions based on their molecular weight and DNA concentrations.

Nature

The by-products used were soyhulls, dried distillers grains, and palm kernel extract in equal proportions.

Journal of Dairy Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing mixtures or distributions, ensure that the context clearly supports the idea of components being present at the same level or amount. Use "in equal proportions" to emphasize the balanced nature of the combination.

Common error

Avoid using "in equal proportions" when describing situations where the distribution is not truly equal or when precision is not a requirement. Opt for terms like "similar amounts" or "roughly equivalent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in equal proportions" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying how something is distributed or combined. Ludwig's examples show its use across diverse contexts, like scientific experiments or culinary recipes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in equal proportions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to indicate that elements or components are distributed or combined evenly. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for precise and clear communication. While interchangeable with alternatives like "equally distributed" or "in similar amounts", "in equal proportions" carries a distinct emphasis on precision and balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally distributed

Emphasizes the even distribution without explicitly mentioning proportions.

in even measure

Focuses on the balanced quantity or extent of something.

in similar amounts

Highlights the comparable quantity of the components.

in comparable ratios

Specifically refers to the equivalent ratios between elements.

in balanced quantities

Stresses the equilibrium in the amounts of different components.

in equivalent shares

Focuses on the fair and identical portions allocated to each part.

in identical parts

Highlights the sameness and equality of the divisions.

in symmetrical arrangement

Suggests a balanced and mirrored allocation.

proportionally equivalent

Reverses the order but keeps the sense of equivalent proportions.

commensurate in distribution

Uses more formal vocabulary to express a balanced distribution.

FAQs

How to use "in equal proportions" in a sentence?

You can use "in equal proportions" to describe how components are mixed or distributed evenly. For example, "The ingredients were mixed in equal proportions to achieve a consistent texture."

What can I say instead of "in equal proportions"?

You can use alternatives like "equally distributed", "in even measure", or "in similar amounts" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in equal proportions" or "in similar proportions"?

"In equal proportions" implies a precise and balanced distribution, whereas "in similar proportions" suggests an approximate or near-equal distribution. The choice depends on the context and the level of accuracy required.

What's the difference between "in equal proportions" and "proportionally equivalent"?

"In equal proportions" directly indicates that the amounts or ratios are the same. "Proportionally equivalent" suggests that the relationship between different components is maintained consistently, even if the amounts themselves are not identical.