equal part

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   One of two or more amounts that are exactly the same size or quantity.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural 'equal parts' after a number or without one: mix equal parts. It can also be singular: add an equal part of water.

   Patterns

   • equal parts of something
   • equal parts something and something
   • in equal parts

   The recipe calls for equal parts flour and butter.

   Mix the juice and soda in equal parts.

   The team's success was due in equal parts to skill and luck.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   Used to say that something has two qualities in the same amount.

   Grammar: Used in the pattern 'be equal parts X and Y' to describe a person or thing that shows both qualities strongly.

   Patterns

   • be equal parts something and something

   Her reaction was equal parts surprise and delight.

   The movie is equal parts comedy and drama.

Common combinations

in equal parts

The money was divided in equal parts among the three children.

equal parts of

Add equal parts of milk and cream.

mix equal parts

Mix equal parts of the two colors to get the shade you want.

equal parts sweet and sour

The sauce is equal parts sweet and sour.

Synonyms and how they differ

equal amount

This is more general and can be used for anything that can be measured; 'equal part' is more common in recipes and mixtures.

half

Use 'half' when there are exactly two equal parts; 'equal part' works for any number of parts.

Opposites

Word family

equally adverb

In equal amounts or to the same degree.

equal adjective

The same in size, amount, or value.

Commonly confused: equal part or equal parts?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “equal part”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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