on equal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on equal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to fairness or equal opportunity, often in discussions about media, broadcasting, or scheduling. Example: "The debate will be held on equal time, ensuring that both candidates have the same opportunity to present their views."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

(Mr. Zanes is big on equal time for fathers).

The New York Times - Arts

With the prosecution still presenting witnesses, Mr. Milosevic insists on equal time for his cross-examination.

The New York Times

He insists on equal time with prosecutors and keeps talking, even when he evidently has no relevant questions left for a witness.

The New York Times

"You are going to see an effort to mask the face of the Republican Party," Mayor Marc Morial of New Orleans told Oliver L. North on "Equal Time".

The New York Times

For a while, I got to memorize the score of "Rent," and had a hard time insisting on equal time for the original ("La Bohème").

The New York Times - Travel

The first witness, whose name has not been announced, is to appear Sept. 7. Prosecutors will have the chance to cross-examine the witnesses, but they will not insist on equal time as Mr. Milosevic did in the prosecution phase of the trial, said one senior prosecutor, who added that Mr. Milosevic often filibustered about irrelevant subjects or repeated himself, just to fill his time quota.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In a call entitled 'Qatar: Do the Right Thing' on Equal Times, the news website of the ITUC, the union says: "Don't let your World Cup team play in a shamed stadium.

Huffington Post

"This is the message that Gore has to be on," declared Paul Begala, a former adviser to President Clinton and now a host of "Equal Time" on CNBC.

The New York Times

The Socialists have asked for guarantees of equal time on television to respond to presidential speeches in Parliament.

The New York Times

It prohibited both political parties and ordinary citizens from buying political ads on the airwaves; all political advertising would have to be broadcast under government-set rules, including on the basis of equal time.

The New York Times

On the same day he drove across dangerously icy roads to be interviewed by The Daily Nonpareil in Council Bluffs, The Marshalltown Times-Republican and The Mason City Globe-Gazette, he also appeared on CNN's Equal Time on a live feed from Des Moines, bantering with the anchor Greta Van Susteren, and later on MSNBC's "News with Brian Williams".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing allocation of resources like speaking opportunities or airtime, use "on equal time" to emphasize fairness and impartiality.

Common error

Avoid using "on equal time" when you simply mean "at the same time". "On equal time" refers to a balanced allocation of time, while "at the same time" indicates simultaneity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on equal time" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is done or allocated in a fair and balanced manner. Ludwig examples show that it is commonly used to describe the allocation of time in debates, broadcasts, or other situations where impartiality is desired. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on equal time" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fair and balanced allocation of time or opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and typically appears in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. To ensure clarity, remember that "on equal time" differs from phrases like "at the same time", which indicates simultaneity. When used correctly, "on equal time" strengthens your writing by underscoring principles of fairness and impartiality. Alternatives include "equal footing" or "equal opportunity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with balanced durations

Implies that time is carefully allocated to maintain equilibrium or fairness.

with equivalent duration

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of time allocation, implying that two or more entities receive the same amount of time.

with identical timeframes

Emphasizes that the periods being compared are exactly the same in length.

with analogous timeframe

Highlights how the intervals are similar in terms of time.

given comparable slots

Suggests that the opportunities for time are similar in nature or quality, not just length.

with commensurate periods

Indicates a proportional relationship, where time is allocated in relation to something else.

having proportional allocations

Implies time is allocated according to a specific ratio or percentage.

with similar schedules

Highlights the structured aspect of time allocation and the arrangement of activities.

with reciprocal scheduling

Emphasizes the mutual or give-and-take nature of time allocation between two or more parties.

with equidistant intervals

Focuses on the spacing of events or actions in time, rather than the total amount of time.

FAQs

How to use "on equal time" in a sentence?

Use "on equal time" when you want to express that different parties receive the same amount of time for a certain activity. For example, "The candidates will be given "equal time" to present their views".

What can I say instead of "on equal time"?

You can use alternatives like "equal footing", "equal opportunity", or "the same amount of time" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "equal time" or "on equal time"?

Both "equal time" and "on equal time" can be correct, depending on the sentence structure. "Equal time" is often used as a noun, while "on equal time" is used as a prepositional phrase, indicating the condition or manner in which something is done. For example: "They were given equal time" versus "The debate was conducted on equal time".

What does "on equal time" mean in the context of broadcasting?

In broadcasting, "on equal time" often refers to the "equal time rule", which requires broadcasters to provide equivalent opportunities to all political candidates if they give time to one candidate.