near equal

USAGE SUMMARY

"near equal" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to two similar figures or amounts, especially when they are close (but not exactly) the same. For example: "The two teams had nearly equal scores at the end of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In spite of Safran Foer's obvious talent, it's nowhere near equal the sum of its parts.

The Guardian - Books

Delia and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, meanwhile, go for near equal amounts of water and milk.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Along with Tillis, Beard has driven Duke to near equal status with the perennial powers Tennessee and Connecticut.

The New York Times - Sports

A near equal to the voice-activated food synthesizer from "Star Trek," the coffee machine gobbles up a packet of coffee and in seconds — presto!

The New York Times

The environments are detailed and imaginative, playing home to well-designed puzzles that reward single and cooperative play with near equal grace.

The Guardian - Tech

In all but one patent category, privacy, Facebook's either has the upper hand or stands on near equal footing.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The near equal-sized samples in the urban and suburban areas were due to the sample design that three urban and three suburban districts were selected.

BMC Public Health

Democrats wanted a near-equal share, proportional to the 51-49 split of the members.

The New York Times

We should be teammates, and equal (or near-equal) partners thinking of creative solutions.

The New York Times

Then the documentary gives the antigreen side equal or near-equal time.

The New York Times - Arts

Among recordings, English conductors carve my heart into near-equal pieces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "near equal", ensure the context provides a clear basis for comparison. Specify the aspect in which the items are nearly equal to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "near equal" when the items are, in fact, identical. "Near equal" implies a slight difference, so using it for exact matches is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near equal" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective, describing a noun by indicating that it is close to being equal but not exactly so. Ludwig AI shows examples of its usage in describing quantities, status, and other measurable aspects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "near equal" is a useful adjective phrase for expressing close approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. While phrases like "roughly equivalent" or "nearly the same" can serve as alternatives, "near equal" implies a relatively high degree of similarity. Therefore, when using "near equal", clarity is crucial; always specify the basis for comparison and avoid using it when exact equality exists. Overall, understanding these nuances will strengthen the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly the same

A straightforward way of expressing close similarity without being identical.

roughly equivalent

Indicates a level of equivalence that isn't precise but close.

comparable to

Highlights that the items can be compared favorably due to their similarities.

almost identical

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, bordering on being the same.

much the same

An informal way of stating that things are very similar.

substantially similar

Emphasizes that the similarities are significant and noteworthy.

virtually alike

Suggests the differences are so minor they're practically the same.

practically indistinguishable

Highlights that the items are so alike it's difficult to tell them apart.

closely related

Focuses on the relationship between the items being similar, especially in a systematic manner.

tantamount to

Implies equivalence in effect or value, though not necessarily in appearance.

FAQs

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

Use "near equal" to describe two or more things that are almost, but not quite, equivalent. For example, "The two candidates received "near equal votes" in the election".

What are some alternatives to "near equal"?

Alternatives include phrases like "roughly equivalent", "nearly the same", or "almost identical", depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "near equally" instead of "near equal"?

While "near equally" is grammatically valid as an adverb, "near equal" is typically used as an adjective phrase. Consider rephrasing to maintain clarity, such as using "distributed near equally" instead.

What's the difference between "near equal" and "approximately equal"?

"Near equal" suggests a closer degree of similarity than "approximately equal". "Approximately equal" allows for a slightly larger margin of difference, while "near equal" implies they are very close in value or amount.