is the equal of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the equal of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that one thing is equivalent or comparable to another in quality, value, or status. Example: "In terms of creativity, her work is the equal of the best artists in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

And his arm is the equal of his glove.

The New Yorker

Its 2000 sauvignon blanc is the equal of splendid Loire, New Zealand and California sauvignons.

The New York Times

Kuhn's side is very limited but it is the equal of France.

The Guardian - Sport

(If western leaders wanted to hurt Putin, they would boycott that event, but their vanity is the equal of his).

The Guardian - Books

Few people, however, would claim that he is the equal of his team-mate in terms of raw speed.

The Guardian - Sport

At the best of times, the West Branch is the equal of almost any trout stream in the nation.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Dessert was the equal of any other course.

The New York Times

For working couples, that's the equal of $25,000.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the time, that wind tunnel was the equal of anything in the world.

The New York Times - Sports

He was the equal of Tennyson, yet the object of much scorn.

The Guardian - Books

The Wunderkind doesn't have to be the equal of his grown-up colleagues.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, clearly specify the criteria or aspects in which the items are equal. For example, "In terms of speed, this processor is the equal of its competitor."

Common error

Avoid using "is the equal of" when the basis for comparison is unclear or subjective. For instance, stating "This movie is the equal of a classic" without specifying aspects like directing, acting, or storytelling can weaken the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the equal of" serves as a predicate adjective, indicating that something possesses the same quality, ability, or status as something else. This usage is affirmed by Ludwig and showcased through numerous examples, confirming its role in comparative descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is the equal of" is a versatile tool for establishing equivalence between different subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in News & Media. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to avoid vague comparisons. Related phrases such as "is comparable to" and "is on par with" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. By understanding its function and usage, you can effectively use "is the equal of" to create precise and impactful comparisons in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to

Uses 'equivalent' instead of 'equal', suggesting a direct correspondence or sameness in value, amount, or function.

is comparable to

Employs 'comparable', indicating that the items or entities being discussed are similar enough to be compared, but not necessarily identical.

is on par with

Replaces 'equal' with 'on par', implying that something meets the same standard or level as something else.

matches the level of

Uses a verb-based construction focusing on achieving the same level or standard.

is in the same league as

Indicates that something belongs to the same category or class, especially in terms of quality or status.

bears comparison with

Suggests that something is worthy of being compared, highlighting similar aspects.

is as good as

Uses a simpler, more direct comparison of quality or effectiveness.

measures up to

Implies that something meets the expectations or standards set by something else.

can hold a candle to

Suggests that something can compete with or approximate the quality or status of something else (often used in a negative context to imply inability to compete).

is tantamount to

Indicates that something is virtually the same as something else, often used for negative implications or serious consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "is the equal of" in a sentence?

Use "is the equal of" to show that two things are comparable in some way. For example, "In terms of performance, this car is the equal of more expensive models."

What phrases are similar to "is the equal of"?

Alternatives to "is the equal of" include phrases like "is equivalent to", "is comparable to", or "is on par with".

Is it correct to say "is equal to" instead of "is the equal of"?

While "is equal to" is grammatically correct, "is the equal of" emphasizes a comparison in quality, status, or ability, whereas "is equal to" often refers to a direct mathematical or quantitative equivalence.

How does "is the equal of" compare to "matches the level of"?

"Is the equal of" suggests a general equivalence, while "matches the level of" emphasizes reaching the same standard or proficiency in a specific area. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your comparison.