is equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show that two things are equal or the same. For example: "A degree in history is equivalent to a degree in sociology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This state is equivalent to steady growth.

The Economist

It is equivalent to a neighborhood association.

The New York Times

One kilocalorie is equivalent to 4.184 kilojoules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One petabyte is equivalent to one million gigabytes.

The New York Times - Science

(The price is equivalent to about $11.10).

The New York Times

That is equivalent to £136m per week.

The Guardian

Each A.D.R. is equivalent to one share.

The New York Times

Formula (6) is equivalent to φ →Fφ.

SEP

This is equivalent to mental anomalism.

SEP

and is equivalent to.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Inequality is equivalent to.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is equivalent to" to establish a clear and direct relationship of equality or interchangeability between two concepts or values. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in technical or explanatory writing.

Common error

While technically correct, using "is equivalent to" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is the same as" or "means the same as" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is equivalent to" functions as a predicate adjective, linking a subject to a description of its state or quality. It asserts that the subject and the descriptive phrase are essentially the same. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is equivalent to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to assert equality or interchangeability between two items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and accepted across various domains. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its value in formal and informative communication. While effective, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Common related phrases are "is the same as" or "is equal to". The phrase plays a crucial role in clarifying complex relationships and ensuring precise understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the same as

Emphasizes identity rather than equivalence; more direct.

is equal to

Focuses on numerical or measurable equality.

corresponds to

Suggests a parallel or matching relationship.

is analogous to

Highlights a similarity that aids understanding.

is interchangeable with

Highlights the ability to replace one with the other.

amounts to

Implies a cumulative effect or result.

is tantamount to

Indicates near equivalence, often in severity or consequence.

represents

Focuses on symbolizing or standing for something else.

can be defined as

Suggests a formal or technical equivalence.

is effectively

Implies a practical, rather than strict, equivalence.

FAQs

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

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

How to use "is equivalent to" in a sentence?

Use "is equivalent to" when you want to show that two things are equal or the same. For example: "One inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters."

Which is correct, "is equivalent to" or "are equivalent to"?

Use "is equivalent to" with singular subjects and "are equivalent to" with plural subjects. For example: "This method is equivalent to that one" versus "These methods are equivalent to those ones."

What's the difference between "is equivalent to" and "is similar to"?

"Is equivalent to" means that two things are essentially the same, while "is similar to" means that two things share some characteristics but are not identical. Equivalence implies complete equality, while similarity implies only partial resemblance.