the equivalent of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the equivalent of" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to compare one thing to another of similar value or importance, especially in terms of money. For example, "This year's model of phone costs the equivalent of three months' salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the equivalent of baseball purgatory.

The New York Times

That is the equivalent of 91 acres.

The New York Times

"About the equivalent of a granola bar".

The New Yorker

Species have the equivalent of siblings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is the equivalent of ten thousand oysters".

The New Yorker

The wages are the equivalent of $29 and $16.

The New York Times

(The equivalent of 50 cents).

The New York Times - Arts

Others said the equivalent of good riddance.

The New York Times

The equivalent of climbing Everest 30 times.

The Guardian - Travel

The equivalent of Colonel Sanders really.

The Guardian

"It is the equivalent of a store.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the equivalent of", ensure that the comparison is relevant and easily understood by your target audience. Avoid overly complex or obscure analogies.

Common error

Avoid using "the equivalent of" when you mean "exactly the same as". While it indicates similarity in value or effect, it doesn't denote perfect identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the equivalent of" functions as a prepositional phrase used to establish a comparison between two different entities or values. It indicates that the entities being compared share a similar value, effect, or significance. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the equivalent of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons and provide context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various writing styles, particularly in News & Media. When using "the equivalent of", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to your audience to maximize its impact. While useful for estimations, avoid using it where precise measurements are required. Consider alternatives like "the same as" or "comparable to" to diversify your language and suit the specific context. By mastering its nuances, you can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same as

Indicates direct equality, slightly stronger than equivalence.

comparable to

Highlights similarity for comparison, less precise than equivalence.

equal to

Suggests an exact match in value or measure.

analogous to

Points out a similarity in some respects between different things.

akin to

Indicates a resemblance or similarity, often in a more abstract sense.

tantamount to

Implies being virtually the same as, often in terms of effect or consequence.

on a par with

Suggests equality in status or quality.

in the same league as

Highlights a similar level of quality or ability.

commensurate with

Indicates proportionality or correspondence in degree.

interchangeable with

Suggests that two things can be used in place of each other without significant difference.

FAQs

How can I use "the equivalent of" in a sentence?

Use "the equivalent of" to compare something to another thing of similar value or effect. For instance, "This donation is "the equivalent of" providing clean water to 100 families."

What's a simple substitute for "the equivalent of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the same as", "equal to", or "comparable to" as simpler alternatives.

Is it accurate to use "the equivalent of" for precise measurements?

While "the equivalent of" can be used for approximate comparisons, it's best to use precise measurements when available. "The equivalent of" implies an estimated similarity rather than an exact match.

How does ""the equivalent of"" differ from "the equivalent to"?

"The equivalent of" is generally used when comparing quantities or values, while "equivalent to" can describe something that is functionally or conceptually similar. Although the difference can be subtle, "the equivalent of" is more common.