should be equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "should be equal" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used in order to make a statement about how two or more things should be equivalent. For example: "Men and women should be equal in terms of job opportunities and pay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"There should be equal support".

The New York Times

All humans should be equal.

Independent

Everybody should be equal.

The Guardian - Film

And that all should be equal.

The New York Times

"He's right, there should be equal sacrifice," Mr. Ziomek agreed.

The New York Times

It's about a cultural evolution that everyone should be equal".

The Guardian - Music

There should be equal treatment to protect everyone".

The Guardian

It should be equal work for equal pay".

The New York Times

All humans should be equal, but we are not.

The New York Times - Magazine

The money spent should be equal for men and women.

The New York Times - Sports

So I think it should be equal seating".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be equal" in technical writing, ensure that the units of measure are consistent on both sides of the equation or comparison. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "should be equal" when a more nuanced term like 'equitable' or 'proportional' better reflects the intended meaning. For example, in social justice contexts, 'equitable' may be more appropriate than simply 'equal'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be equal" typically functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by expressing a desired state of equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct for stating expectations about sameness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

36%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "should be equal" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing that two or more entities ought to have the same value or status. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig examples show it appears across various contexts, from news and media to science and technical writing. While interchangeable with phrases like ""should be equivalent"" or ""should be the same"", choosing the most fitting alternative depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and contextual appropriateness to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be equivalent

Focuses on mathematical or logical equivalence, rather than a general sense of equality.

ought to be equal

Uses "ought to" to convey a sense of moral obligation or expectation.

should be the same

Emphasizes identity and lack of difference between two or more things.

should be identical

Highlights a perfect match or exact correspondence.

must be equal

Expresses necessity or requirement for equivalence.

should be balanced

Suggests a state of equilibrium or proportionality, especially in contexts involving distribution or opposing forces.

should be equitable

Implies fairness and impartiality, especially in resource allocation or treatment.

needs to be equal

Highlights the necessity for two or more things to reach equivalence.

should be commensurate

Refers to proportionality or correspondence, often in the context of rewards or punishments.

should be proportional

Indicates a relationship where one quantity varies directly with another.

FAQs

How can I use "should be equal" in a sentence?

The phrase "should be equal" is used to express the idea that two or more things ought to have the same value, measure, or status. For example, "The amount of input and output "should be equal" to maintain balance."

What phrases can I use instead of "should be equal"?

Alternatives to "should be equal" include "should be equivalent", "should be the same", or "should be identical", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "should be equal to" grammatically different from "should be equal"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "should be equal to" is often preferred when specifying what the subject is being compared to. "The total value "should be equal". The total value "should be equal to" the initial investment."

When is it more appropriate to use "should be equitable" instead of "should be equal"?

Use "should be equitable" when referring to fairness and impartiality, especially in distributing resources or opportunities. While "should be equal" implies sameness, "should be equitable" focuses on just outcomes, which may not always involve identical treatment. You may need to ensure the sides "should be equitable" in a negotiation.