make equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express the action of bringing two or more things to the same level or value. Example: "To solve the equation, we need to make equal both sides before simplifying further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A little girl who comes out to see a match sees the equality factor, that women make equal contributions to what's going on," said King, who is also the 2000 Olympic women's coach for the United States.

The New York Times

Both partners in lesbian couples seem to make equal professional sacrifices in exchange for this equality.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you have two children and want each to share equally in your wealth, you could simply make equal gifts to each child and his family each year.

Forbes

Together, we can make equal marriage a reality.

The Guardian

Does it make equal sense, though, when you get to words on paper?

The Guardian

Let us make equal marriage possible because it is the right thing to do and then let us move on".

The Guardian

The Tories are insisting that their austerity measures will make equal demands on all levels of society.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm going to fight this initiative and I'm going to fight every day to make equal opportunity a reality for every person living in this great state.

The New York Times

In the 1960s, the linguist Michael Halliday pointed out that we tend to talk of "strong tea" instead of "powerful tea," even though the phrases make equal sense.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the film it is the male shop steward who persuades them to make equal pay the object of their industrial action.

The Guardian

For example, Hero of Alexandria (mid-1st century ce) asserted, purely for philosophical reasons, that an object and its mirror image must make equal angles to a mirror.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make equal" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being equalized and the method or standard being applied. For example, "The company aimed to make equal the salaries of men and women in similar roles."

Common error

Avoid using "make equal" when you mean to make something equitable. Equality implies sameness, while equity acknowledges different needs and provides different levels of support to achieve similar outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make equal" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of causing two or more things to be of the same value, size, or quality. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts, such as making equal opportunities or contributions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make equal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the action of causing two or more things to become the same in value, size, or quality. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "equalize" and "balance out" exist, "make equal" provides a clear and direct way to express the concept of equalization. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the scope of equality and avoid conflating it with equity, which acknowledges differing needs to achieve fair outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equalize

A single word synonym suggesting the act of making things equal.

equate

To consider or represent as equal or equivalent.

make equivalent

Focuses on creating functional equality or equivalence.

render equal

Emphasizes the action of causing something to become equal.

set equal

A more concise way of expressing the act of making two things equal, often used in mathematical contexts.

balance out

Implies creating equilibrium by making opposing forces or elements equal.

bring into equilibrium

Focuses on achieving a state of balance or equality.

harmonize

Suggests bringing elements into agreement or equality.

level the playing field

An idiomatic expression signifying the creation of equal opportunities.

match up

Implies creating equality by pairing or aligning elements.

FAQs

How can I use "make equal" in a sentence?

You can use "make equal" to describe the action of bringing two or more things to the same level or value. For example, "The goal is to "make equal" the opportunities for all students."

What are some alternatives to "make equal"?

Alternatives include "equalize", "render equal", or "balance out", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make equal" or "equalize"?

Both "make equal" and "equalize" are correct, but "equalize" is often more concise. The choice depends on the desired tone and formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "make equal" and "make equitable"?

"Make equal" implies creating sameness, while "make equitable" suggests providing what is needed for fairness, which might not be the same for everyone. Equitable solutions "account for" different circumstances.