pretty equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty equal" is not correct or usable in written English.
Instead of using "pretty equal," you can use words or phrases like "relatively equal," "roughly equal," or "about equal." For example, "The number of board members from each region are about equal."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

… I still believe that Sweden, the Swedish culture, is pretty equal; and gender equality is something important".

Comparative Migration Studies

They seemed pretty equal.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, it's pretty equal and pretty fine.

The New York Times - Arts

"In the subsidised sector I think it's pretty equal.

Independent

"Until that changes, we'll probably play them pretty equal amounts".

The New York Times - Sports

In terms of what they've proven, they're pretty equal.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Talent-wise and pound for pound, I think Washington and Crenshaw are pretty equal--but they find a way to win," Washington Coach Julie Rousseau said.

Los Angeles Times

Now, it's fair to say that the two are pretty much equal.

Independent

We're both pretty much equal time-wise, so it will be very exciting".

Independent

This offends me as a feminist and a marketing expert in pretty much equal measure.

The Guardian - Opinion

As for handling, the Sequoia was competent and pretty much equal to its domestic competitors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, opt for alternatives like "relatively equal" or "roughly equal" instead of "pretty equal" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty equal" in academic papers or business reports. This phrase is too informal and can undermine the credibility of your writing. Choose a more precise and professional alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty equal" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a state of near equivalence or similarity between two or more entities. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not considered correct or usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "pretty equal" is a commonly used phrase to indicate near equivalence, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect for formal written English. It functions as an adjective phrase, primarily in news and media contexts, but its informal tone makes it unsuitable for academic or professional writing. Alternatives such as "relatively equal" or "roughly equal" are more appropriate in formal settings. While Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage, it's advisable to exercise caution and consider the context before using "pretty equal" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively equal

Replaces "pretty" with "relatively", offering a more formal tone while conveying a similar degree of equivalence.

roughly equal

Substitutes "pretty" with "roughly", suggesting an approximate equality rather than a precise one.

approximately equal

Emphasizes the lack of exactness in the equality, suitable for contexts where precision is not critical.

nearly identical

Shifts from equality to close similarity, implying a high degree of resemblance.

almost the same

Uses a more informal and straightforward expression to indicate a high degree of similarity.

comparable

Indicates similarity for the purpose of comparison, suggesting they are alike in some significant ways.

on par

Implies a level of equality in terms of quality or status, often used in competitive contexts.

evenly matched

Specifically refers to a balance of power or skill, commonly used in sports or competitive scenarios.

in the same ballpark

An idiom suggesting they are within a similar range or order of magnitude.

neck and neck

Describes a situation where competitors are very close in a race or competition.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "pretty equal"?

You can use alternatives like "relatively equal", "roughly equal", or "approximately equal" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "pretty equal"?

While commonly used, "pretty equal" is generally considered informal and not suitable for formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives in academic or business contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "pretty equal"?

"Pretty equal" is more appropriate in informal conversation or less formal writing. In formal settings, choose alternatives like "relatively equal" or "nearly identical" for clearer and more professional communication.

What's the difference between "pretty equal" and "relatively equal"?

"Pretty equal" is less formal and more colloquial, while "relatively equal" is more formal and precise. The latter is preferred in professional and academic writing.