nearly equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things that are similar but not exactly the same in meaning or value. Example: "The two products are nearly equivalent to each other in terms of performance, but one is more cost-effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

These emissions, nearly equivalent to Germany's annual carbon pollution, will cancel out efforts made in other areas to cut carbon.

The Guardian

Some in Washington seem to consider him a cyber-enemy whose crimes against the United States are nearly equivalent to those of Osama bin-Laden.

The Guardian - Opinion

Estimates of the damage are as high as two hundred billion dollars, which is nearly equivalent to the costs of Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina combined.

The New Yorker

This was well ahead of growth in the 15 "old" European Union states, which was a mere 0.5%, and nearly equivalent to that of Japan.

The Economist

In America, "packing a piece" is equated with virility, and depriving a man of his weapon is nearly equivalent to castration.

The New York Times

Throughout the first two decades of the century, the diagnosis of pernicious anemia, like that of diabetes mellitus, was nearly equivalent to a death sentence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Compounds (9 and 10) showed excellent antimicrobial activity nearly equivalent to the control compounds.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Interestingly, Dpr channels showed cation selectivity nearly equivalent to that exhibited by the neutral Gln derivative.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Compressed ground samples of rapeseed at densities nearly equivalent to seed density were used.

Biosystems Engineering

Marketing is about twice the cost of sales and R&D nearly equivalent to costs.

Forbes

At this viewing distance, 1 cm is nearly equivalent to a visual angle of 1°.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nearly equivalent to", ensure that you are comparing measurable or quantifiable aspects to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The processing speed of this new computer is nearly equivalent to the older model, but it consumes less energy."

Common error

Avoid using "nearly equivalent to" when there are significant differences between the items being compared. It is more accurate to quantify the differences instead of implying a similarity that does not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly equivalent to" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, used to describe the degree to which two things are similar without being identical. This phrase helps in making comparisons and expressing approximations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nearly equivalent to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that signifies a close but not exact similarity between two things. Predominantly used in scientific and news contexts, it serves to draw comparisons and provide context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal, neutral, and professional communications. When employing this phrase, ensure you are comparing quantifiable aspects and avoid overstating the degree of equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost identical to

This alternative emphasizes the high degree of similarity between two things, implying they are nearly indistinguishable.

virtually the same as

This suggests that for all practical purposes, the two things being compared are identical.

much the same as

This implies a strong resemblance, focusing on the lack of significant differences.

roughly analogous to

This indicates a similarity in function or appearance, but allows for some differences in detail.

corresponds closely to

This emphasizes the direct relationship or matching aspects between two things.

comparable to

This suggests that the two things are similar enough to be compared, often in terms of quality or value.

closely resembles

This focuses on the visual or structural similarity between two things.

on a par with

This indicates equality in status or quality, suggesting a level playing field.

bears a resemblance to

This is a more formal way of saying that two things are similar in some way.

tantamount to

This suggests that the two things have the same effect or value, even if they are different in nature.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly equivalent to" in a sentence?

The phrase "nearly equivalent to" is used to indicate that two things are almost, but not exactly, equal in value, size, effect, or other measurable attributes. For example, "The cost of the repair was "nearly equivalent to" the value of the car."

What's the difference between "nearly equivalent to" and "exactly equivalent to"?

"Nearly equivalent to" suggests a close similarity but not perfect equality, while "exactly equivalent to" indicates complete equality in all respects. If there's a measurable difference, "nearly equivalent to" is the more accurate choice.

What are some alternatives to "nearly equivalent to"?

You can use alternatives like "almost identical to", "virtually the same as", or "roughly analogous to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "nearly equivalent with" instead of "nearly equivalent to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "nearly equivalent" is "to". Saying "nearly equivalent with" is grammatically incorrect.