this is equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that one thing is equal to, or can be exchanged for, another. For example, you could say "Using the metric system, 1 kilogram is equivalent to 2.20462 pounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is equivalent to the factoring process.

MIT Technology Review

This is equivalent to 250 million children.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to specifying pressure distribution.

Journal of Computational Physics

This is equivalent to an increase of 0.8% in emissions.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to 13% of staff volunteering.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to taxing pensioners' savings at those rates.

The Guardian - Business

This is equivalent to a 17% emission reduction.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to a 2x2 black-and-white image.

MIT Technology Review

This is equivalent to 0.01% of all water on Earth.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to 24 years of emissions from Sweden.

The Guardian

This is equivalent to the usual definition of (orientable) polyhedron.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is equivalent to" when you want to express that two different concepts, measurements, or actions have the same effect or value. Ensure the comparison is clear and the context supports the equivalence.

Common error

Avoid using "this is equivalent to" when there's a subtle difference or nuance between the items being compared. Overlooking these nuances can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. Be certain that items in comparison are truly equivalent in the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is equivalent to" functions as an equivalence marker. Ludwig AI confirms it shows that two things are equal in value, meaning, or effect. It sets up a relationship where one thing can be substituted for another without changing the outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is equivalent to" is a versatile tool for expressing equality or correspondence between different elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and highly usable in written English. Its function is to clarify and simplify concepts, making it particularly useful in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While alternatives like "this is the same as" or "this is equal to" exist, "this is equivalent to" often implies a functional or effective equality rather than a strict identity. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the equivalence is accurate and contextually appropriate for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is the same as

Indicates an exact equality or identity between two things, slightly more direct than "this is equivalent to".

this is equal to

Highlights a mathematical or quantitative equality, suitable for precise comparisons.

this is analogous to

Suggests a similarity that helps explain or clarify something, often used for complex concepts.

this is comparable to

Implies a similarity that allows for comparison, useful for assessing relative qualities.

this corresponds to

Emphasizes a direct relationship or matching between two things, often in a structured context.

this is akin to

Indicates a resemblance or similarity, but may suggest a looser connection.

this is virtually the same as

Highlights that something is almost identical in effect or outcome, with minor differences.

this mirrors

Suggests a close reflection or imitation of something else, emphasizing a strong resemblance.

this is on par with

Indicates equality in quality or status, often used in evaluations or comparisons.

this is tantamount to

Emphasizes that something is virtually the same in its effect or value, especially in legal or moral contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "this is equivalent to" in a sentence?

Use "this is equivalent to" to show that two different things have the same value or effect. For example, "In terms of energy consumption, using LED lighting is equivalent to reducing your carbon footprint by 20%".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is equivalent to"?

You can use alternatives like "this is the same as", "this is equal to", or "this is comparable to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this is equivalent to" or "this is the same as"?

While both phrases indicate similarity, "this is equivalent to" suggests a functional or effective equality, whereas "this is the same as" implies an identical nature. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship you're describing.

When should I use "this is equivalent to" instead of "this implies that"?

"This is equivalent to" indicates a direct exchange or equal result, while "this implies that" suggests a logical consequence or deduction. Use "this is equivalent to" when two things have the same value or outcome, and "this implies that" when one thing suggests another.