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Prepositions after adjectives

Equivalent to, in, for, of or at?

The standard construction is equivalent to. Other prepositions may appear separately in a sentence, but they are not normally selected by the adjective equivalent.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows equivalent?

Use equivalent to when comparing value, meaning, amount, or function. Constructions such as equivalent in, equivalent for, equivalent of, and equivalent at are not standard as direct complements of the adjective, though those prepositions can appear in other parts of a sentence.

One mile is equivalent to 1.6 kilometres.
The refund was equivalent to a full month's rent.
This qualification is equivalent to a bachelor's degree.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
equivalent to + noun

Showing equal value or meaning

Use equivalent to before a noun phrase to compare two things directly.

Their offer is equivalent to a 10% discount.
The phrase is equivalent to an apology.
2
equivalent to + amount

Comparing measurements or quantities

Use equivalent to with figures, measurements, and rates.

The fee is equivalent to 50 dollars.
Three credits are equivalent to one full course.
3
equivalent in + area

Describing similarity within a field

In can introduce the area or category of comparison, not the direct complement of equivalent.

There is no equivalent in modern law.
The device has no equivalent in the local market.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
equivalent to
This certificate is equivalent to a diploma.
Standard form for showing equal value, status, or meaning.
equivalent in
The species has no equivalent in Europe.
In introduces the field or location where a comparison is made.
equivalent for
There is no exact equivalent for this legal term.
For can introduce the thing receiving a substitute, not a direct complement after equivalent.
equivalent of
The company paid the equivalent of two months' salary.
Equivalent of is a noun pattern, not an adjective pattern.
equivalent at
The salary was calculated at the equivalent of 40 dollars an hour.
At relates to a rate or calculation, not directly to equivalent.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using equivalent with the wrong preposition

Equivalent normally takes to when directly comparing two things.

✕ The payment is equivalent of a bonus. ✓ The payment is equivalent to a bonus.

Confusing adjective and noun patterns

Equivalent can be an adjective or a noun. The structures are different.

✕ This amount is the equivalent to a week's pay. ✓ This amount is the equivalent of a week's pay.

Using in as the main complement

Use to for the direct comparison. In usually introduces a field or context.

✕ The score is equivalent in 100 points. ✓ The score is equivalent to 100 points.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. One litre is ___ 1,000 millilitres.
2. The museum has no equivalent ___ the region.
3. They received the equivalent ___ three months' wages.

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Frequently asked questions

Is equivalent to the only standard adjective pattern?

Yes. Equivalent to is the normal adjective construction for direct comparison.

Can I say equivalent in?

Yes, but in usually introduces a field or place, such as equivalent in quality or no equivalent in Europe.

What is the difference between equivalent to and equivalent of?

Equivalent to is an adjective pattern. Equivalent of is usually part of a noun phrase such as the equivalent of 100 dollars.

eager-for-to-in-about, on "early in", "early on" or "early for"? earnest in, with, on, for or at? easy for, on, in, to or with? "economical with" or "economical in"? "ecstatic about" or "ecstatic with"? "effective in", "effective at" or "effective for"? "efficient in" or "efficient at"? elderly in, with, at, of or as? elegant in, with, of, as or to? eligible for, to, in or under? "embarrassed by" or "embarrassed about"?

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