that is equal to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is equal to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining or defining a value or quantity that matches another value or quantity. Example: "In this equation, the variable x that is equal to 5 will help us solve for y."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In dollar terms, that is equal to the 30-year average of 4.2percentt of G.D.P.

The New York Times

"I understand terrorism," he says, "in a way that is equal to or exceeds anyone else".

The New York Times

Perfect number, a positive integer that is equal to the sum of its proper divisors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Rent" has earned $4 million for the theater workshop, a sum that is equal to its annual budget.

The New York Times

In the United States, the banks have total short-term debt that is equal to 15percentt of G.D.P.

The New York Times

Snyder's plan would eliminate debt in the district that is equal to $1,100 per child, Murray said.

The Guardian

As for terror, "I understand terrorism in a way that is equal to or exceeds anyone else," Mr. Giuliani says.

The New York Times

Like everyone else, the president wants to have a press that is equal to the people it serves.

The New York Times

The ring gear rotates at a speed that is equal to the mean speed of the left and right wheels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This year Spain is supposed to have an influx of around 15 million tourists - a figure that is equal to half the population of the country.

The New Yorker

Then there was Assurance Plus, a one-time payment to the lender that is equal to 90 days of a loan or lease payment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that is equal to", ensure the comparison is precise and unambiguous. State clearly what two things are being equated.

Common error

Avoid using "that is equal to" when only a rough estimate or approximation is intended. Opt for phrases like "is approximately" or "is close to" for less precise comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is equal to" functions as a predicate adjective or linking phrase, connecting a subject to a descriptive adjective phrase indicating equivalence. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across different fields where the phrase serves to equate two entities or values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is equal to" is a versatile phrase used to express equivalence across a multitude of contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely accepted, with its usage ranging from formal scientific writing to general news reporting. While alternatives exist, "that is equal to" maintains a high degree of precision, making it a reliable choice for expressing exact matches. The phrase's frequency across authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is identical to

Highlights the perfect and complete match between the entities.

that is equivalent to

Replaces "equal" with "equivalent", suggesting a similar but not necessarily identical value.

that is the same as

Uses simpler language, emphasizing the identical nature of the two things being compared.

that's equivalent to

Represents a similar alternative to "that is equivalent to" with a less formal tone.

that amounts to

Focuses on the total or result, emphasizing the quantity reached.

that corresponds to

Highlights a relationship or matching aspect between two elements.

that represents

Indicates a symbolic or representative relationship.

that is commensurate with

Emphasizes a proportional relationship or suitable correspondence.

that's commensurate with

Represents a similar alternative to "that is commensurate with" with a less formal tone.

that is analogous to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, even if not perfectly identical.

FAQs

How can I use "that is equal to" in a sentence?

Use "that is equal to" to specify the precise value or amount of something. For example, "The area of the square "that is equal to" the square of its side."

What are some alternatives to "that is equal to"?

You can use alternatives such as "that is equivalent to", "that amounts to", or "that is the same as" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "that is equal to" for precise comparisons?

While "that is equal to" provides precision, other phrases can work if the context makes the equivalence clear. However, for mathematical or technical contexts, it's often the most appropriate choice.

What is the difference between "that is equal to" and "that is similar to"?

"That is equal to" indicates an exact match in value or amount, whereas "that is similar to" suggests a resemblance but not necessarily an exact correspondence.