On a bulletin board at work, we have this quote:
**“Attitude is equally important as ability.” **
Shouldn’t it say something more like, “Attitude is as important as ability” or “Attitude is equally important to ability”? What is the correct way to state this thought?
Also, if the sentence is grammatically incorrect, is it reasonable for me to assume that the person that wrote it has a great attitude to compensate for their lack of ability?
I know it sounds funny, but I think it’s correct. (Microsoft Word grammar check isn’t picking anything up, at any rate.) I think the usage of “as” is correct since you are putting two things on level ground (i.e. “Attitude is more important than ability” is correct, “Attitude is more important as ability.” is sloppy.)
That’s what I say.
But I could be wrong.
How about: Attitude and Ability are Equally Important (?)
The original might be okay grammatically, but it does sound odd to me.
My guess is that the person responsible for the quote thinks it’s perfectly okay. For that matter, most people who put up any kind of a sign anywhere think that what they’ve written is fine, or they just don’t care. This would certainly explain why so many signs say “Sorry for the inconvience” instead of “inconvenience.”
Maybe they’re saying your ability to spell can suck chrome as long as you do so positively.
… or grammer up a sentance.
Read lieu, read.
Can I say it is wrong? No (dammit!)
If I were an editor, would I let it pass? HELL NO! Replace ‘equally’ with ‘as’.
Folks in HR tend to be a bit insecure, don’t they? 
(yes, I know I’m going to hell)
This is no reason to assume that it’s correct. MS Word’s grammar check is horrible.
I think it’s grammatically correct, but it doesn’t mesh with my sense of style at all.
The sentence is redundant. “As important as…” means equally. Whether you consider redundancy to be grammatically incorrect or merely a sign of idiocy is a judgement call.
Most importantly, the sign gives little direction regarding what attitude is desired. From the way it is phrased, my best guess is that they are looking for an attitude of ignorant apathy.
Excellent point. They’re following the Peter Principle.
Well, “sentence” is misspelled. And yes, it does mean that a positive attitude will help you keep your job even if you are losing the company’s money. It is an interesting legal point: was posting that sign on a company bulletin board a statement of policy, and can that be used in your defence when you get fired for incompetence?
The point of communication is to get your message across as clearly and effectively as possible.
Strunk & White would frown at this expression and suggest a simplified construction.
dropzone beat me to it.
As far as the OP: “Attitude is equally as important as ability” would be correct, though redundant, as has been pointed out.