Are both is equal to and equals similar in meaning? Which is the more natural?
For example, one plus one equals two or one plus one is equal to two.
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1You can also add "is" to the list.– think_meaning_buildßCommented Sep 7, 2012 at 9:38
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@skullpatrol: I agree with the answers and comments that say that “equals” and “is equal to” mean the same thing in most situations; always, in strictly mathematical contexts. Based on my understanding of English, I submit that “is” carries a slightly different connotation and nuance. (“It depends on what the meaning of the word `is’ is.”) For example, Superman is Clark Kent, but I wouldn’t say that they are equal.– Scott - Слава УкраїніCommented Feb 12, 2013 at 2:28
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2 Answers
Both are grammatically correct and mean the same. And both are the natural ways of saying it. Use either.
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1Equals is equal being a verb, in the present tense. Is equal to is equal being a predicate adjective, with its auxiliary verb in the present tense. English is full of pairs like this, useful if one needs an extra syllable. As @Slkdfj Jfjf succinctly puts it, Use any. Commented Jun 16, 2012 at 16:18
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@JohnLawler Could you please look at this question? Commented Sep 7, 2012 at 11:29
"1+3=4" may be read "one plus three equals four" or "one plus three is equal to four". Both are correct, and commonly heard.
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3However, for "1+3 < 10" we can say "one plus three is less than ten" but not "one plus three lesses ten".– GEdgarCommented Jun 16, 2012 at 13:19
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2Re "one plus three equals four" or "one plus three is equal to four" being commonly heard, I'm fairly sure I've never heard anybody say either of those phrases, and doubt I ever will. Why would anyone bother stating such a trivial sum? Commented Jun 16, 2012 at 18:42
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1Well, I guess we all have... back in school at least. And now on English Stack Exchange :)– ArmanCommented Jul 13, 2016 at 8:57
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