would be equivalent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would be equivalent to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are comparing two similar things that are equal in terms of value, significance, or function. For example, "A degree from Harvard University would be equivalent to a degree from any other ivy-league school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That would be equivalent to $260,320 in 2014 dollars.

The Washington Post

This would be equivalent to £300bn at today's prices.

The Guardian

That would be equivalent to unlocking 270 billion yuan.

The Economist

And that would be equivalent to what we did with a previous change of variables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

then the parameter would be equivalent to "img1.fits,img2.fits".

Harvard University

This would be equivalent to approximately 7percentt of the world's GDP in 2050.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Anything else would be equivalent to only casting a fraction of a vote.

Princeton University

The company said that the loss would be equivalent to about 80 cents a share.

The New York Times

As visible light, that energy would be equivalent to the brightness of a billion trillion suns.

The New York Times - Science

Substantive amendments would not alter the agreement, and would be equivalent to rejection.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, this would be equivalent to admitting effects without a cause.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would be equivalent to", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the basis for equivalence is well-defined. For instance, specify which aspects are equivalent, such as value, function, or effect.

Common error

Avoid assuming full equivalence when only specific aspects align. For example, stating "this action would be equivalent to a donation" might mislead if the action lacks the donator's intent or tax benefits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be equivalent to" functions as a linking phrase, primarily used to establish a relationship of similarity or correspondence between two distinct entities, actions, or concepts. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would be equivalent to" is a versatile linking phrase used to establish a similarity or correspondence between two things. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. It serves to clarify relationships, draw comparisons, and facilitate understanding. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in your comparison and identify the specific aspects that are equivalent. Common alternatives include "is tantamount to", "is analogous to", and "is comparable to". Remember that "would be equivalent to" suggests a broader, more qualitative comparison, appropriate in hypothetical or conditional situations, while "is equal to" denotes a precise, quantitative equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amounts to the same thing as

This alternative emphasizes that the final result or effect is identical.

is effectively the same as

Emphasizes that the outcome or impact is identical, regardless of superficial differences.

is tantamount to

This alternative suggests a near equivalence, often implying a similar negative consequence or effect.

is virtually the same as

Highlights that any differences are negligible or insignificant.

is identical to

This signifies a perfect, exact match with no differences.

is analogous to

This suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, but not necessarily a perfect equivalence.

is comparable to

This indicates that the two things being compared share similar characteristics or qualities.

is on a par with

This phrase implies a similar level of quality or status.

is commensurate with

Suggests that something is in proportion or corresponds in degree or amount.

can be considered as

This suggests the possibility of treating one thing as the other, though not necessarily an inherent equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "would be equivalent to" in a sentence?

Use "would be equivalent to" to draw a comparison between two things that have a similar effect or value. For example, "In today's market, that sum of money "would be equivalent to" twice as much in the past".

What's the difference between "would be equivalent to" and "is equal to"?

"Is equal to" indicates a precise mathematical or quantitative equivalence. "Would be equivalent to", on the other hand, suggests a broader, more qualitative sense of similarity or comparability. The phrase "would be equivalent to" can be used when the comparison isn't strictly numerical.

What can I say instead of "would be equivalent to"?

You can use alternatives like "is tantamount to", "is analogous to", or "is comparable to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "would be equivalent to" instead of "is equivalent to"?

"Would be equivalent to" is used when discussing a hypothetical or conditional situation, implying that the equivalence is contingent on certain circumstances. Use "is equivalent to" for stating a present, factual equivalence. For example, "Investing in renewable energy "would be equivalent to" ensuring a sustainable future" (hypothetical).