were equal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were equal" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing comparisons or relationships between two or more entities that have the same value or status. For example, "The two teams were equal in skill, making the match very competitive." Alternative expressions include "were the same," "were equivalent," and "were on par."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All things were equal.

Independent

Once you were equal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Online, all clicks were equal.

The New Yorker

The three kings were equal among themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But after 20 moves, chances were equal.

The New York Times

Chances were equal until Nakamura's 21 Qd3.

The New York Times

After 14... Be6, chances were equal.

The New York Times

Chances were equal after 32... h6.

The New York Times

The men were equal to the challenge.

The New York Times

Ms. Sosenko and Hildegarde were equal partners.

The New York Times

As if all those choices were equal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were equal", ensure the context clearly establishes the basis of comparison. For instance, specify what aspects or attributes are equal, such as "their contributions were equal" or "the risks were equal."

Common error

Avoid assuming equality in all aspects when only some are equal. For example, don't say "the two projects were equal" if only their budgets were the same but their goals and timelines differed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were equal" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a plural subject to a predicate adjective. It asserts that the subject possesses the quality of being equal in some specified aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were equal" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate equivalence or parity between multiple subjects. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always specify the basis of comparison when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "were equivalent", "were the same", and "were on par" can be used to add nuance. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning of equality in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were equivalent

Focuses on the interchangeable nature or functional similarity of items.

were the same

Emphasizes identical characteristics or properties.

were identical

Highlights a perfect match or indistinguishable nature.

were on par

Implies a comparable level of quality or performance.

were comparable

Suggests similarity for the purpose of comparison.

were evenly matched

Indicates a balanced or competitive situation.

were balanced

Highlights an equilibrium or equal distribution of elements.

were commensurate

Implies a proportional or corresponding relationship.

were uniform

Stresses consistency and lack of variation.

were indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell items apart.

FAQs

How can I use "were equal" in a sentence?

The phrase "were equal" indicates that two or more things had the same value, status, or characteristic. For example, "The opportunities "were equal" for all applicants" or "After the adjustments, the scores "were equal"".

What phrases can I use instead of "were equal"?

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

Is it correct to say "was equal" instead of "were equal"?

No, "was equal" is used with singular subjects, while "were equal" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The chance was equal" (singular) vs. "The chances "were equal"" (plural).

What's the difference between "were equal" and "were equitable"?

"Were equal" means having the same value or amount, while "were equitable" implies fairness and justice in distribution or treatment. While things that are equitable might also be equal, the terms emphasize different aspects of the situation.