on a par

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a par" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean that two things are equal or the same. For example, you could say "We are now on a par with our competitors in terms of market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether "roughly equal" or "on a par" imply comparability is a matter of some debate.

SEP

Functions and arguments are on a par with one another.

SEP

He who slumbers on a par.

The New Yorker

It's kind of on a par now.

The New York Times

It's on a par with hot dinners.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was roughly on a par with non-leaked transactions.

The New York Times

I loathe poverty on a par with pain".

The New Yorker

That is on a par with what people can do.

The Economist

I need to get on a par with him.

The Guardian - Sport

Street style is definitely on a par with catwalk now".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If anything, we're on a par with them".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a par" to indicate that two or more things are of equal status, quality, or importance. It is particularly useful when comparing achievements, abilities, or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "on a par" when the items being compared are clearly not equal. This phrase suggests equivalence, so ensure the comparison is valid and justifiable to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a par" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate equality or equivalence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a par" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom that indicates equality or equivalence between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, showing it appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. Its versatility and widespread usage make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Be mindful of using it accurately to denote actual equality for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equal

Single word replacement; lacks the prepositional phrase structure of the original.

equivalent

Similar meaning, but a more formal tone.

comparable

Implies similarity for comparison, but not necessarily exact equality.

on equal footing

Adds the concept of a base or foundation; more specific.

on the same level

More descriptive and less idiomatic.

in the same league

More informal; suggests a competitive context.

of the same standard

Focuses on a specific measure of quality.

matching

Suggests a direct correspondence or pairing.

identical

Implies an exact likeness, stronger than the original.

as good as

More colloquial; implies a subjective assessment of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "on a par" in a sentence?

The phrase "on a par" is used to indicate that two or more things are equal or equivalent. For example, "Their skills are "on a par"", meaning they have the same level of skill.

What are some alternatives to saying "on a par"?

Alternatives include "equal", "equivalent", "comparable", or "on equal footing", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "on a par with" something else?

Yes, the standard usage is "on a par with". It's used to show that something is at the same level or standard as something else. For example, "The new model is "on a par with" the leading competitors".

What's the difference between "on a par with" and "superior to"?

"On a par with" indicates equality, meaning things are at the same level. "Superior to" implies that one thing is better than the other. They represent opposite ends of a comparative scale.