about the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"about the same" is a correct expression in written English.
The phrase can be used when making a comparison between two similar things or ideas. For example, "After years of working in the same field, their salaries were about the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Sports

Opinion

Tech

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're about the same".

The New York Times - Magazine

He replied, "About the same"!

The New York Times - Science

"About the same," Chrisemer said.

The New Yorker

About the same, yet tenderer.

The New Yorker

Even the prices are about the same.

The New York Times - Tech

Are we talking about the same Wilkinson?

Independent

We talked about the same thing.

Independent

Painted about the same time, "Concarneau.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's about the same," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

The answers were about the same.

The New Yorker

But my scores were about the same".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities or values, use "about the same" to indicate they are close enough that the difference is insignificant for your purposes.

Common error

Avoid using "about the same" in highly formal or technical writing where precise figures are expected. Opt for more specific comparative language such as "approximately equal" or provide the actual figures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about the same" functions as a modifier, specifically as a degree adverb modifying an adjective or noun, indicating a near equivalence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in comparing sizes, costs, and other quantifiable attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about the same" is a versatile phrase used to express near equivalence between two or more items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in news media and informal settings, it's crucial to recognize its limitations in highly formal or scientific contexts, where precision is paramount. Alternatives like "approximately equal" or "comparable" might be more suitable in those instances. As Ludwig examples show, the phrase is particularly useful when precise figures are not necessary, and the focus is on conveying a general sense of similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly identical

Indicates a very small difference between the items being compared.

pretty much the same

An informal way of saying that things are almost identical.

more or less identical

Suggests a high degree of similarity, bordering on being the same.

roughly equivalent

Emphasizes approximate equality, suggesting minor differences may exist.

virtually indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in telling the difference between two things.

comparable

Indicates that items are similar enough to be compared.

on par

Signifies being at the same level or standard.

in the same ballpark

Informal expression suggesting values or amounts are close.

much alike

General similarity without specifying the degree of equivalence.

of a piece

Suggests that items are consistent or harmonious with each other, sharing similar characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "about the same" in a sentence?

Use "about the same" to indicate near equivalence. For example, "The cost of both options is about the same" or "Their performance levels are about the same".

What's a more formal alternative to "about the same"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "approximately equal", "roughly equivalent", or "comparable".

Is it correct to say "around the same" instead of "about the same"?

"Around the same" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "about the same", conveying a similar meaning of approximation. Both are suitable for informal contexts.

Which is correct, "about the same as" or "about the same than"?

The correct phrase is "about the same as". For example, "This car is about the same size as that one". Using "than" is grammatically incorrect in this context.