is not equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not equivalent to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used when comparing two things or concepts to emphasize that they are not the same or do not hold the same value. For example: - "The role of a manager is not equivalent to that of a leader. While both involve decision-making and authority, a leader also inspires and motivates their team." - "The study concluded that a higher education degree is not equivalent to job success. Different factors such as experience and networking also play a significant role in career advancement." - "A vegetarian diet is not equivalent to a vegan diet. While both exclude meat, a vegan diet also eliminates all animal products including dairy and eggs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Note that a look followed by a take is NOT equivalent to look_take.

Yale University

Generally speaking, an imaging research study is not equivalent to a clinical diagnostic work-up.

Harvard University

Doesn't he realise that a trade deficit is not equivalent to a loss in business?

The Times

Having a first lady tea in Belfast is not equivalent to bringing peace to Northern Ireland.

The New York Times

But a tube top is not equivalent to a halter top.

The New Yorker

However, measuring selection is not equivalent to uncovering the biological processes responsible for generating it.

Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Biology

The DBS data is a relative value since it is not equivalent to the plasma concentration.

Journal of Immunological Methods

Conserving cultural ecosystem services is not equivalent to conserving species composition.

Ecosystem Services

However, the vegetation that develops on MR sites is not equivalent to natural habitat.

Ecological Engineering

To file for a stay is not equivalent to getting a stay".

The New York Times - Sports

But that is not equivalent to having full carriage on its own channel across the country.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not equivalent to" when you want to precisely clarify that two terms, concepts, or actions should not be considered the same, especially where confusion might arise. For instance, "Efficiency is not equivalent to effectiveness; you can be efficient at doing the wrong things."

Common error

Avoid using "is not equivalent to" when the items being compared are merely different in degree or scale, not in fundamental nature. Instead of saying 'A small error is not equivalent to a large error', use 'A small error is less significant than a large error'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not equivalent to" serves as a predicate nominative, connecting the subject to a noun phrase that renames or defines it, while emphasizing a distinction rather than an identity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

30%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not equivalent to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression aimed at clarifying differences and preventing misinterpretations. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable across various registers, but particularly common in formal, scientific, and professional settings. The expression is often employed to distinguish between related concepts or actions, ensuring precision in communication. While highly versatile, it’s essential to avoid overstating differences and to use more nuanced language when comparisons involve matters of degree rather than fundamental distinctions. Related phrases such as "is distinct from" or "is not the same as" can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings, each with its own specific emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not the same as

A straightforward way of expressing non-equivalence.

is distinct from

Highlights a clear difference or separation between two entities.

is not interchangeable with

Implies that the items cannot be substituted for each other without affecting the outcome.

is different than

Emphasizes the difference, often used in less formal contexts.

does not equal

Focuses on the lack of mathematical or logical equivalence.

is unlike

Stresses the dissimilar characteristics between two subjects.

is not synonymous with

Highlights that two terms or phrases do not share the same meaning.

bears no resemblance to

Indicates a complete lack of similarity or correspondence.

should not be confused with

Warns against mistakenly thinking two things are the same.

cannot be interchanged with

Highlights that the two concepts or things are not able to be replaced each other.

FAQs

How can I use "is not equivalent to" in a sentence?

Use "is not equivalent to" to highlight that two things should not be considered the same. For example, "Success "is not equivalent to" happiness, though many people pursue it believing it will bring them joy."

What phrases are similar to "is not equivalent to"?

Similar phrases include "is distinct from", "is different than", and "is not the same as", each with slightly different nuances.

When is it better to use "is not the same as" versus "is not equivalent to"?

"Is not the same as" is a more general way of saying two things are different. "Is not equivalent to" implies a more precise or technical distinction, often used in contexts where equivalence might be expected or assumed.

Is "is not equivalent to" formal or informal?

"Is not equivalent to" can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it's generally more common in formal or technical contexts where precision is important. For more casual settings, phrases like "is different than" might be more appropriate.