they are equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they are equivalent' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things that are equal in value, quantity, or amount. For example, "The two teams are equal in strength; they are equivalent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Uninsured people buy them thinking they are equivalent to major medical coverage, but they are not".

The New York Times

Artistically, they are equivalent to the covers of mass-market paperback fantasy fiction.

The New Yorker

In combined surface area, they are equivalent to twice the size of Germany.

The Guardian

Artistically, they are equivalent to the covers of mass-market paperback fantasy fiction.

The New Yorker

This may incentivize stock buybacks even though, economically, they are equivalent to dividends.

The Washington Post

In fact we will show that they are equivalent modulo a constant perverse sheaf.

Journal of Functional Analysis

I have a hard time thinking of beans & grains as protein and how they are equivalent to meat, eggs & cheese.

Harvard University

dependencies, but assumes that they are equivalent, which is illogical from a software developer's point of view.

Information and Software Technology

Seventeen percent believed that DNR decisions are morally wrong, and 23% believed that they are equivalent to suicide.

Psychosomatics

They are equivalent to 1.6% of output in the UK, compared with 0.3% in Germany and 0.5% in France.

The Guardian - Business

We therefore use the term "SNVs" to denote single base pair differences, but operationally they are equivalent to SNPs.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are equivalent", ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria for equivalence. Specify the aspects in which the subjects are equal to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are equivalent" when there are only superficial similarities. Ensure that the subjects are truly equal in the relevant context, not just similar in some aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are equivalent" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that the subjects being discussed share a similar or identical value, meaning, or effect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are equivalent" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating equality or interchangeability between two or more subjects. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, reflecting its use in precise and formal communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English, which is also confirmed by the large amount of examples available. When employing this phrase, ensure the equivalence criteria are clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as ""they are the same"" or ""they are identical"" for simpler or more emphatic expressions of equality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are the same

This alternative uses simpler language to convey equality.

they are equal

This is a direct and straightforward expression of equality.

they are identical

This suggests a complete and exact likeness between the subjects.

they are interchangeable

This emphasizes the ability to use the subjects in place of each other.

they are analogous

This implies a similarity that allows for comparison.

they match

A simple way of saying two things are in agreement or are of the same type.

they correspond

This indicates a matching or similar relationship.

they are on par

This phrase indicates that the subjects are at the same level or standard.

they amount to the same thing

This suggests that despite differences, the end result is the same.

they bear comparison

This phrase is more formal and suggests that the items are worthy of being compared because of their similarities.

FAQs

What does "they are equivalent" mean?

The phrase "they are equivalent" means that two or more things are equal in value, meaning, function, or effect. It indicates a state of being essentially the same.

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

You can use "they are equivalent" to show that two different things have the same result or importance. For example, "In this context, the terms 'efficiency' and 'effectiveness' "they are equivalent"."

What can I say instead of "they are equivalent"?

Alternatives to "they are equivalent" include "they are the same", "they are identical", or "they are equal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "they are equivalent" instead of "they are similar"?

"They are equivalent" should be used when the items being compared are fundamentally the same in a specific context. Use "they are similar" when there are resemblances but not complete equality.