they are equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are equal" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two people, things, or amounts are the same. For example: "The two pieces of cake were the same size, so they are equal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are equal partners.

The New York Times

And they are equal in your eyes to you.

The New York Times

But the driver said simply, "No, they are equal".

The New York Times - Magazine

Edwards campaign officials say that they are equal to the task.

The New York Times

"It's a vote for the LGBTI youth, for them to know that they are equal.

The Guardian

They are equal, that is, so long as all of their votes are counted.

The New York Times

Even if they are equal before the law, they are not equal in real life.

The New York Times

But match racing when they are equal like today is amazing.

The New York Times - Sports

We delude siblings by telling them that they are equal, she argued.

The New York Times

I understand they've raised themselves up to a point where they are equal with the rest of us.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This show is inspired by 'All in The Family,' 'The Simpsons' and 'South Park.' They are equal-opportunity offenders".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are equal", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for equality. For example, "they are equal in terms of experience" clarifies the specific aspect being compared.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "they are equal" implies complete equivalence in all aspects. Specify the relevant dimensions of comparison to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are equal" functions as a statement of equivalence, asserting that two or more entities share the same value, measure, or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are equal" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey equivalence or sameness across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and prevalent, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki-based sources. While highly common, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying the dimensions in which entities are considered equal to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "they are the same" or "they are equivalent" may offer nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the desired level of formality or precision. By considering these factors, writers can effectively leverage "they are equal" to enhance the clarity and accuracy of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are the same

Uses "same" instead of "equal", indicating an identical state or condition.

they are equivalent

Employs "equivalent", suggesting functional or practical equality, even if not identical.

they are identical

Replaces "equal" with "identical", implying an exact match in all aspects.

they are of equal value

Adds "of equal value", specifying that the equivalence lies in their worth or importance.

they are on par

Uses the idiom "on par", meaning they are at the same level or standard.

they are comparable

Employs "comparable", indicating that they are similar enough to be compared, implying a degree of equality.

they are alike

Replaces "equal" with "alike", suggesting similarity rather than strict equality.

they are uniformly

It is focused on sameness in distribution

they are indistinguishable

Suggests that they cannot be told apart or differentiated.

they are commensurate

Employs "commensurate", suggesting that they are proportional or corresponding in measure or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "they are equal" in a sentence?

You can use "they are equal" to express that two or more things have the same value, size, importance, or characteristic. For example, "In this equation, the two sides "they are equal"."

What's a more formal way to say "they are equal"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "they are equivalent", "they are identical", or "they are of equal value". These alternatives offer a more sophisticated way to express equivalence.

What's the difference between "they are equal" and "they are similar"?

"They are equal" indicates that two things are the same in a specific aspect, while "they are similar" suggests that they share some characteristics but are not necessarily the same. Equality implies sameness, while similarity implies resemblance.

Is it always necessary to specify what "they are equal" in?

While not always mandatory, specifying the criteria for equality enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, saying "they are equal in size" is more precise than simply stating ""they are equal"".