they were equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more items, concepts, or values to indicate that they have the same value, function, or meaning. Example: "In terms of performance, the two models were equivalent, offering similar features and capabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

A tenth of the teenagers thought they were equivalent to university degrees.

The Guardian

To speak of Friday night's shootings and bombings only as crimes, as if they were equivalent to a string of murders by an urban gang, misses something important.

The Guardian - Opinion

(The economist John Picard Stein once quixotically tried to quantify these intangible rewards, deciding that they were equivalent to a return on investment of 1.6percentnt a year).

The New Yorker

Faced with the highly asymmetric reality, they choke — treating mild Democratic exaggerations as if they were equivalent to outright falsehoods on the other side, treating wild misrepresentations on the GOP side as if they were slight misstatements.

The New York Times

Frege could well have allowed existentially quantified sentences to be ontologically committed to objects, whether or not they were equivalent to disjunctions of sentences containing singular terms.

SEP

He gave three axiomatizations of the algebra of logic, showed each set of axioms was independent, and that they were equivalent (see Huntington 1904).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 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

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

In Japan, they are equivalent to the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air or Corvette, but neither car was sold new in the United States.

The New York Times

But, he adds, mathematically they are equivalent.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were equivalent" to clearly state that two or more things have the same value, meaning, or effect. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts, providing a straightforward way to express equivalence.

Common error

Avoid using "they were equivalent" when you actually mean 'similar' or 'comparable'. Equivalence implies a precise match, while similarity allows for some differences. Make sure the context supports the claim of true equivalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were equivalent" functions as a comparative statement, asserting that two or more entities possess the same value, effect, or meaning. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they were equivalent" is a common and grammatically correct way to express equality or correspondence between two or more things. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals its frequent usage in scientific, news, and general contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is vital to ensure that the context truly supports a claim of equivalence rather than mere similarity. Consider alternatives like "they were equal" or "they were the same" depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were equal

Expresses the same concept of having the same value or measure, using a more direct term.

they were the same

Indicates identity rather than just equivalence; focuses on shared characteristics or nature.

they were identical

Suggests a complete and indistinguishable match, stronger than equivalent.

they were comparable

Implies that they can be compared because of similarities, though not necessarily identical.

they were analogous

Highlights a similarity in some respects, especially in purpose or function.

they were on par

Informal way of saying they were at the same level or standard.

they were commensurate

Suggests a proportional relationship, where one corresponds in size or degree to another.

they were alike

A more general way to express similarity without necessarily implying exact equivalence.

they were interchangeable

Implies that they can be used in place of each other without affecting the outcome.

they were virtually the same

Acknowledges slight differences but emphasizes the overall similarity.

FAQs

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

Use "they were equivalent" to indicate that two or more items, concepts, or measurements have the same value or significance. For example, "In the experiment, the results from both methods showed that "they were equivalent"".

What phrases are similar to "they were equivalent"?

Similar phrases include "they were equal", "they were the same", or "they were identical". Choose the phrase that best fits the nuance of your intended meaning.

Is it more appropriate to use "they were equal" or "they were equivalent"?

While both phrases suggest a similarity in value or measure, "they were equivalent" often implies a functional or practical similarity, whereas "they were equal" can refer to a more direct quantitative comparison.

Can "they were equivalent" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "they were equivalent" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very informal contexts, you might also consider "they were on par" as a more colloquial alternative.