Is it possible to tell Dataview to ignore an empty inline template (e.g. =)

[axelson]

If I have the literal text

Use the `=` key

Then I get a Dataview error like:
PARSING FAILED Got the end of the input

But I'd like Dataview to ignore that inline statement (while still allowing inline statement that do have content)

Alternatively I'd like a way to render a = in the code/monospace font, things I've tried:

• ` =` kinda works but the additional space is visible in preview/live edit mode
• `\=` doesn't work because in preview/live edit mode I can see the \