on an equal playing field

USAGE SUMMARY

"on an equal playing field" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that everyone involved is in a fair and equal position or situation. Example: In order to find the best candidate for the job, all applicants were interviewed on an equal playing field, with the same questions and evaluation criteria.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

… Seniors get their premium support and they choose among plans on a list on an equal playing field to one another.

Forbes

Gasperich said that keeping consistency for the floors is one more way to make sure teams are competing on an equal playing field.

Huffington Post

We're not on an equal playing field.

The Guardian

"I race on an equal playing field with men.

The Guardian - Sport

"It furthers the concept of putting both spouses on an equal playing field," she said.

The New York Times

Plaintiffs and defendants in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits do not necessarily litigate on an equal playing field.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"A lot of things are holding the tribes down in a lot of ways," Wetzel said, "but you cross those lines on the court, and it's an equal playing field.

The New York Times - Sports

This value comes from the fact that Net Neutrality has created an equal playing field on the Internet, where anyone can connect, create and innovate.

Huffington Post

"We're trying to create an equal playing field for debate based on facts". In a news release Tuesday, Lobdell corrected misstatements in a recent TV spot by citizen group Repair Costa Mesa, which claimed the City Council has laid off half its workers and that city Chief Executive Tom Hatch has a $10,000 annual car allowance.

Los Angeles Times

"It's an equal playing field".

The Guardian

We genuinely feel like it's an equal playing field.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a global audience, consider using the shorter and more common variant, "level playing field", as it may be more readily understood across different English-speaking regions.

Common error

Avoid using "on an equal playing field" when the context involves inherent inequalities that cannot be fully addressed. The phrase implies a level of fairness that may not always be achievable or realistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on an equal playing field" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the conditions under which an action takes place. As Ludwig AI suggests, it typically suggests a scenario where fairness and equal opportunity exist. This is supported by multiple examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on an equal playing field" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where everyone has the same opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys fairness and impartiality, making it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While the alternative "level playing field" is often preferred for its conciseness, "on an equal playing field" remains a valuable tool for emphasizing the importance of fairness in competitive settings. Remember to consider the scope of equality when using this phrase, ensuring that the context truly reflects a level of fairness that can be reasonably achieved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level playing field

This is a more concise and common variant, emphasizing the 'level' or even nature of the competition.

equal terms

Focuses on the equivalence of the conditions or provisions applicable to all.

even footing

This phrase focuses on the stability and balance of the starting positions, implying equal opportunity from the beginning.

equal opportunities

This alternative centers on the presence of equivalent chances for success.

fair and equitable situation

This alternative highlights fairness and justice, emphasizing the moral aspect of the situation rather than just the competitive aspect.

equitable circumstances

Highlights the just and fair conditions surrounding a situation.

balanced competition

This emphasizes the equilibrium and fairness within the contest itself.

same ground rules

This variant emphasizes that the rules are applied uniformly to all participants.

fair shake

An idiomatic alternative that means a fair chance or treatment.

without prejudice

This legal term implies impartiality and a lack of bias.

FAQs

How can I use "on an equal playing field" in a sentence?

You can use "on an equal playing field" to describe a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and advantages. For example, "The new regulations aim to put all businesses "on an equal playing field"." It's often used in discussions about fairness, competition, and equal opportunities.

What does it mean to compete "on an equal playing field"?

To compete "on an equal playing field" means that all participants have the same chances of success, without any unfair advantages or disadvantages. It implies that everyone is subject to the same rules, resources, and conditions.

What are some alternatives to "on an equal playing field"?

Some alternatives to "on an equal playing field" include "level playing field", "even footing", or "fair and equitable situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "fair and equal playing field"?

Yes, using both "fair" and "equal" to describe the "playing field" can be considered redundant, as they both convey a similar sense of impartiality and justice. Sticking to either "level playing field" or simply "fair playing field" is generally more concise and effective.