must be equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be equal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are stating a requirement or condition that two or more things need to meet the same value or standard. Example: "In order for the equation to hold true, both sides must be equal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Actual saving and investment must be equal.

The Economist

We must be equal citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

By law, black schools and white must be equal in every way.

The New York Times

Our communities must be equal, as in the Eucharist," she said.

The Guardian

Holbrooke is saying that our commitments must be equal to our power.

The New York Times - Magazine

That agreement stipulated that the French and German stakes in EADS must be equal.

The New York Times

The agreement stipulates that the French and German stakes in the company must be equal.

The New York Times

That agreement stipulates that the French and German stakes in EADS must be equal.

The New York Times

"The law must be equal for everybody," Mr. Gómez told EFE television on Saturday.

The New York Times

But it's just silly to approach this matter with the presumption that there must be equal sin on both sides.

The New York Times

"Everyone must be equal before the court, as before the law," Mr. Putin said in his remarks today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be equal" in technical or mathematical contexts, ensure that the units of measurement are consistent to avoid errors.

Common error

Be careful not to use "must be equal" when you intend to convey similarity or equivalence in a qualitative sense. Use alternatives such as "must be comparable" or "must be analogous" when numerical precision is not the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be equal" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a necessity or requirement for two or more things to have the same value or status. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is both correct and readily usable in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be equal" serves as a modal verb phrase that conveys a requirement for equivalence or sameness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility in various written contexts. It finds frequent use in scientific, news, and general discussions, carrying a neutral tone overall. Common synonyms include "has to be equivalent" and "needs to be identical". Best practices include ensuring consistent units of measurement in technical contexts, while avoiding the phrase when intending qualitative similarity. The phrase's prevalence and adaptability make it a valuable tool for expressing necessary equivalence in diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be equivalent

Replaces "must be" with "has to be", implying obligation for equivalence.

needs to be identical

Substitutes "equal" with "identical", emphasizing exact sameness.

should be equivalent

Replaces "must" with "should", suggesting a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

is required to be equivalent

Adds emphasis by using a passive construction and expanding "must be".

is essential that it be equal

Shifts the structure to emphasize the necessity of equality.

ought to be the same

Uses "ought to be" for a softer obligation and "the same" for equality.

should be balanced

Focuses on balance as a form of equality, suitable in contexts where equilibrium is implied.

is bound to be equal

Indicates inevitability, suggesting that equality is a natural or predetermined outcome.

is supposed to be equal

Implies an expectation or agreement that things should be equal.

is expected to be equal

Highlights an anticipation of equality, often based on standards or predictions.

FAQs

How can I use "must be equal" in a sentence?

The phrase "must be equal" indicates a requirement for equivalence or sameness. For instance, "In a fair game, the chances of winning for each player "must be equal"".

What are some alternatives to saying "must be equal"?

You could use phrases like "has to be equivalent", "needs to be identical", or "should be balanced" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "must be equal" and "should be equal"?

"Must be equal" indicates a strict requirement, while "should be equal" suggests a recommendation or expectation. The choice depends on whether the equality is mandatory or merely desirable.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "must be equal"?

The phrase "must be equal" is appropriate in contexts where a strict equivalence is required, such as in mathematical equations, legal agreements, or scientific experiments. Make sure that "the units are consistent".