equal parts

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The same amount of each of two or more things, especially when mixing them.

   Grammar: Usually used after in or with, or before of: mix them in equal parts.

   Patterns

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

   Mix the flour and the sugar in equal parts.

   The sauce is equal parts oil and vinegar.

   Add equal parts of milk and water to the pan.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   Used to say that something is made of two things in the same amount, often figuratively.

   Grammar: Often followed by two nouns joined by and: equal parts joy and fear.

   Patterns

   • equal parts something and something
   • be equal parts something and something

   Her reaction was equal parts surprise and delight.

   The film is equal parts comedy and tragedy.

   His speech was equal parts praise and warning.

Common combinations

in equal parts

Stir the two juices together in equal parts.

equal parts of something

The recipe calls for equal parts of butter and flour.

equal parts sweet and sour

The dressing tastes equal parts sweet and sour.

mix something in equal parts

Mix the paints in equal parts to get the right shade.

Synonyms and how they differ

fifty-fifty

Informal and often used for shares or chances rather than for recipes.

evenly

An adverb meaning in equal amounts; it describes how you divide something, not the amounts themselves.

Opposites

Word family

equal adjective

The same in size, amount, or value.

equally adverb

In the same amount or to the same degree.

Commonly confused: equal parts or equal part?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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