is equal to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is equal to" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you need to express that two things have the same value, size, etc. For example: The area of the square is equal to the length of its side multiplied by itself.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A woman is equal to a man.

The New York Times

One great is equal to three good.

The New York Times

One gram is equal to 0.001 kg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An erdab is equal to 150 kilograms.

The New York Times

Rustu is equal to it.

The Guardian - Sport

p is equal to p1.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nauru is equal to hopelessness.

The Guardian

It is equal to 10−24 square cm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Moominmama is equal to anything.

The Guardian - Books

"Business is equal to nothing," he said.

The New York Times

A terabecquerel is equal to 1tn becquerels.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is equal to" to clearly define mathematical or quantitative relationships. For qualitative comparisons, consider more descriptive alternatives like "is equivalent to" or "is similar to".

Common error

Avoid using "is equal to" when the values are only approximate. Instead, use phrases like "is approximately equal to" or "is close to" to convey the correct level of precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is equal to" functions as a relational phrase, primarily used to assert equivalence between two entities, values, or concepts. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it connects numerical values, physical quantities, or abstract concepts, highlighting their sameness or equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is equal to" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies equivalence between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its function is primarily relational, establishing a clear and unambiguous relationship of equality, often in contexts requiring precision such as science, mathematics, and formal reporting. While alternatives like "is equivalent to" or "amounts to" can be used, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Remember to avoid using "is equal to" for approximate values; in such cases, "is approximately equal to" is more appropriate. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "is equal to" in your writing to convey precise and accurate information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to

This alternative emphasizes the interchangeability or functional identity of two things.

is the same as

This alternative offers a more direct and simpler way to express equality.

is identical to

This alternative highlights the perfect match and lack of difference between two things.

amounts to

This alternative suggests a quantitative equivalence or a final result after calculation.

equates to

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the action of making things equal.

corresponds to

This alternative implies a relationship or matching between two things, often used in mappings or analogies.

is on par with

This alternative indicates that something is at the same level or standard as something else.

is analogous to

This alternative suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, but not necessarily a direct equivalence.

is commensurate with

This alternative indicates a proportional or corresponding relationship.

is tantamount to

This alternative expresses that something is virtually the same as something else, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "is equal to" in a sentence?

The phrase "is equal to" is used to show that two things have the same value or amount. For example, "In this equation, x "is equal to" 5".

What can I say instead of "is equal to"?

You can use alternatives like "is equivalent to", "amounts to", or "is the same as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is equal to" or "equals"?

Both "is equal to" and "equals" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Equals" is typically used in mathematical equations (e.g., 2 + 2 equals 4), while "is equal to" can be used in broader contexts (e.g., "The value of x "is equal to" 10").

What's the difference between "is equal to" and "is approximately equal to"?

"Is equal to" indicates an exact equivalence, while "is approximately equal to" indicates that the values are close but not exactly the same. For example, π (pi) is approximately equal to 3.14, but it "is equal to" its exact, non-terminating decimal representation.