More or less the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "More or less the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are similar or nearly identical, but not exactly so. Example: "The two reports are more or less the same in terms of their findings and conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More or less the same thing has happened to love.

Independent

More or less the same thing.

Forbes

More or less the same goes for the center's restaurant.

Los Angeles Times

It's more or less the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's always more or less the same.

The New York Times - Magazine

I feel more or less the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Yes, it's more or less the same.

Independent

The system will be more or less the same".

The Guardian - Sport

The setting is more or less the same.

The New York Times

For him, every day is more or less the same.

The Guardian - Film

Everyone would earn more or less the same amount.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing complex subjects, use "more or less the same" to convey that the key aspects are similar, even if minor details differ.

Common error

Avoid using "more or less the same" when there are significant or critical differences between the subjects being compared. It is best suited for situations where the similarities outweigh the differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "More or less the same" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the degree of similarity. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing actions, states, or qualities that are largely alike but not perfectly identical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "More or less the same" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey that two or more things are substantially similar, though not necessarily identical. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subjects being compared genuinely share significant similarities and that any differences are minor. Alternatives like "virtually identical" or "substantially similar" can be used to fine-tune the degree of similarity you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost the same

Simple and direct, suggesting a very slight deviation.

Nearly identical

Similar to "almost the same" but slightly stronger in implying likeness.

Practically indistinguishable

Stresses the difficulty in discerning any real difference.

Much the same

Suggests that while there might be differences, they are not significant.

Virtually identical

Emphasizes near-perfect similarity with minimal differences.

For the most part, the same

Highlights that the majority of aspects are similar, with minor exceptions.

Substantially similar

Highlights a significant degree of likeness in essential aspects.

In essence, the same

Focuses on the core or fundamental similarity despite superficial differences.

Roughly equivalent

Indicates an approximate level of equality or interchangeability.

Effectively the same

Indicates that the end result or impact is the same, regardless of any differences in process.

FAQs

How can I use "More or less the same" in a sentence?

The phrase "More or less the same" is used to indicate that two or more things are very similar but not exactly identical. For example, "The two reports are "more or less the same" in their findings."

What phrases are similar to "More or less the same"?

Alternatives to "More or less the same" include "virtually identical", "substantially similar", or "roughly equivalent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "More or less the same"?

Yes, "More or less the same" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "More or less the same" and "Exactly the same"?

"More or less the same" implies a slight difference or variation, while "Exactly the same" means there are no differences at all. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of similarity you want to convey.