more or less equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more or less equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are approximately the same in value, amount, or quality, but not exactly so. Example: "The two proposals are more or less equal in terms of cost and benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In performance all periods seemed created more or less equal.

The New York Times - Arts

Pre viously there were two more or less equal companies, with one markedly more or less equal than the other.

The New York Times

Conventional warfare pitted soldiers against one another in more or less equal number.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today, the Army transfers its troops in more or less equal monthly rotations.

The New York Times

The authorities assumed that the various companies in a market were more or less equal.

The New York Times

If the numbers were more or less equal, everyone goes home after a while.

The New York Times - Science

But both camps used to have more or less equal numbers.

The New Yorker

3. * Cut the carrot into 3 lengths of more or less equal size.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The algorithm is based on the idea of a quadtree decomposition, where an area is successively divided into strata so each stratum has more-or-less equal variation.

Computers & Geosciences

Pull out the various appendages: Four more-or-less equal legs, a longer tail and a fatter head.

WikiHow

Before you pack in the okra, slice up a lemon into four more-or-less equal slices.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more or less equal", ensure the context clarifies the specific aspect in which the items are being compared (e.g., size, value, importance).

Common error

Avoid using "more or less equal" when there are significant differences between the items being compared. It is intended to indicate approximation, not to mask substantial disparities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more or less equal" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns by describing a state of near-equality or approximate equivalence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. It serves to qualify the degree of equality, indicating that while not perfectly identical, the items being described are close in value or amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

25%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more or less equal" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates approximate equivalence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Its prevalence across various domains, including news, science, and academia, highlights its broad applicability. While not suggesting perfect sameness, it effectively communicates a significant degree of similarity. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear the aspects being compared.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly equivalent

Suggests a close but not necessarily exact similarity in value or amount.

approximately the same

Indicates a near equality, allowing for slight variations.

comparable

Emphasizes the ability to compare two or more things due to their similarities.

substantially similar

Highlights a significant degree of resemblance, though not necessarily identical.

virtually identical

Implies a very close similarity, bordering on being the same.

fairly alike

Indicates a noticeable degree of similarity.

on par

Suggests that two or more things are at the same level or standard.

almost indistinguishable

Indicates that differences are so slight they are hard to detect.

not far off

Suggests an approximation that is close to the actual value or measure.

in the same ballpark

Indicates a rough estimation or similarity within a general range.

FAQs

How can I use "more or less equal" in a sentence?

Use "more or less equal" to describe things that are similar but not exactly the same. For example, "The two options are "more or less equal" in terms of cost".

What can I say instead of "more or less equal"?

You can use alternatives like "roughly equivalent", "approximately the same", or "comparable" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "more or less equal"?

While both "more or less" and "equal" have distinct meanings, their combination emphasizes an approximate equality, highlighting that the items are not perfectly identical. The phrase is not inherently redundant, but its appropriateness depends on context.

What's the difference between "more or less equal" and "exactly equal"?

"More or less equal" indicates an approximation, suggesting the items are similar but not identical. "Exactly equal" means the items are the same in every aspect, with no difference whatsoever.