it equates to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it equates to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison or establishing a correlation between two things, and could be used in a sentence such as: "If I work five hours, it equates to roughly two hundred dollars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It equates to around £16.5bn in today's money.

The Guardian

"It equates to about £5,000 per match.

The Guardian - Sport

At £20 million per hour it equates to almost £335,000 per minute.

Independent

It equates to return on equity of just below 3 percent.

The New York Times

This 6% doesn't sound like much until you realise it equates to £170m.

The Guardian

But it equates to annual returns of around 20 percent during three of the worst years in financial history.

The New York Times

If you look at what I have done over the 60 it equates to a low 9.80 for 100m.

The Guardian - Sport

'Just over 2,100 steps might not sound that much, but it equates to a 27percentt increase in physical activity - which is really astounding,' said Bravata.

Stanford University

"Just over 2,100 steps might not sound that much, but it equates to a 27percentt increase in physical activity - which is really astounding," said Bravata.

Stanford University

It does not sound like much, but it equates to two extra wins a season and potentially millions of dollars in extra revenue.

The New York Times

All of it equates to a Game 6 in Boston on Friday as the Celtics saw their hold on the series loosened to 3-2.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it equates to" to clearly establish a numerical or proportional relationship between two quantifiable elements. For example, "Investing $100 now equates to $1000 in ten years, given a certain interest rate."

Common error

Avoid using "it equates to" when the relationship is not truly equivalent but merely comparable or related. Using it to suggest equality when there are significant differences weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it equates to" functions as a linking phrase, establishing an equivalence or correspondence between two elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard construction for showing numerical or qualitative equality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it equates to" is a versatile phrase used to establish equivalence between two things. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing, backed by numerous examples across diverse sources, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the phrase enjoys widespread use, especially in neutral contexts, remember to use it accurately, ensuring that the relationship you're describing is indeed one of equivalence and not just mere correlation. Alternatives like "it is equivalent to" or "it amounts to" can be used for variety, but it’s essential to maintain the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is equivalent to

This alternative uses 'equivalent' instead of 'equates', emphasizing a direct equality in value or meaning.

it is equal to

Using 'equal' provides a more straightforward synonym, focusing on the identical nature of the two things being compared.

it amounts to

This phrase suggests a cumulative effect or result, implying that the total is equivalent.

it is comparable to

This option introduces a degree of similarity rather than exact equality, suggesting the items are alike in some respects.

it corresponds to

This phrase emphasizes a relationship or connection between two things, where one aligns with or matches the other.

it is tantamount to

Using 'tantamount' implies that the two things are virtually the same, especially in terms of effect or consequence.

it represents

This alternative focuses on the idea that one thing stands for or symbolizes another, indicating a broader association.

it signifies

This emphasizes the meaning or importance of something, suggesting that it has a particular significance.

it indicates

This option suggests that something points to or suggests something else, acting as a sign or signal.

it implies

This phrase focuses on the indirect suggestion or hint of something, rather than a direct statement of equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "it equates to" in a sentence?

Use "it equates to" when you want to show that something is equal or equivalent to something else in terms of value, amount, or effect. For example, "Finishing this project on time it equates to a bonus."

What can I say instead of "it equates to"?

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

Which is correct, "it equates to" or "it equates as"?

"It equates to" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "It equates as" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "it equates to" and "it relates to"?

"It equates to" implies a direct equivalence or equality, while "it relates to" suggests a connection or association without necessarily implying equality.