actually the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actually the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify that two things are equivalent or identical in some way. Example: "The two theories are actually the same as each other in their fundamental principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"It's actually the same as an airplane or a helicopter.

The New Yorker

Then there's the popular vegetable silverbeet, which is actually the same as chard but has a much sexier name.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amazon is advertising its free trial as part of the promotion for the day, though the offer is actually the same as any other time.

Independent

Then, in 1637, a bright young mathematician-philosopher realised that if you abstracted it one step further, geometry was actually the same as algebra.

The Guardian

She also demonstrated that zinfandel, a grape seen by many as uniquely Californian, is actually the same as primitivo, an habitué of Sicily.Since then, she has torn into the pedigrees of several other well known varieties.

The Economist

"Our formal massing was actually the same as his," Williams recalled, "but our bold and probably wrong move was to make a bridge across the sculpture garden connecting the education wing to the galleries.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

There is one important case in which the optimal mean square predictor actually is the same as the optimal linear predictor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The £50bn infrastructure budget for 2015-16 thet the chancellor made much of is actually exactly the same as the budget for 2014-15: "it's steady", a Treasury official conceded.

The Guardian

"The boys displayed more signs of combat caution than earlier and became harder to lead into hazardous action -- by commanders who actually felt the same as the troops," Fussell writes.

The New York Times - Books

It's actually much the same as with the iPhone: a stagnant device class with lots of potential, weighed down by traditional UI and input elements.

TechCrunch

"It's actually the same thing as what John Gotti used to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "actually the same as" to clarify surprising or non-obvious equivalences. It's especially effective when correcting a misconception or revealing a hidden connection.

Common error

Avoid using "actually the same as" simply as a conversational filler. Ensure it adds genuine value by highlighting a meaningful equivalence, not just stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actually the same as" functions as a comparative expression. It serves to equate two seemingly different entities, highlighting their underlying identity. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is widely used in diverse contexts to clarify equivalence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "actually the same as" is a phrase used to emphasize that two things, which might appear different, are fundamentally equivalent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields like news, science, and general discourse. While versatile, remember to avoid using the expression needlessly, ensuring it contributes meaningful clarification. Consider alternatives like "essentially identical to" or "virtually equivalent to" for nuanced expression. When used thoughtfully, "actually the same as" can effectively highlight surprising equivalences and correct misconceptions, reinforcing its value in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially identical to

Highlights the core, fundamental identity while allowing for superficial differences.

virtually equivalent to

Emphasizes the practical interchangeability despite potential minor distinctions.

in reality identical to

Stresses that the identity is true despite possible misconceptions.

effectively the same as

Focuses on the functional similarity, implying comparable results or outcomes.

practically indistinguishable from

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving any difference between the things being compared.

tantamount to

Indicates the equality in effect or value, especially in a formal or legal context.

amounting to the same thing as

Breaks down the equivalence, describing how the similarities add up.

one and the same as

Emphasizes that two entities thought separate are in fact identical.

equal to all intents and purposes

Focuses on how the items compared are legally or formally the same.

no different than

States that there is nothing distinguishing one item from another.

FAQs

How can I use "actually the same as" in a sentence?

You can use "actually the same as" to point out that two things, which might seem different, are in fact identical in some way. For example: "The storyline is "actually the same as" Nuri Bilge Ceylan's 2008 film Three Monkeys".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "actually the same as"?

Several phrases can replace "actually the same as", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Consider using alternatives such as "essentially identical to", "virtually equivalent to", or "effectively the same as".

Is it redundant to use "actually" with "the same as"?

While "the same as" already indicates identity, adding "actually" can emphasize that the similarity is surprising or not immediately obvious. It can add a layer of clarification or correction to the statement.

What's the difference between "the same as" and "similar to"?

"The same as" indicates a complete identity, while "similar to" implies a resemblance without being identical. "Actually the same as" is used when you want to emphasize a complete identity that might be unexpected, whereas "similar to" suggests a degree of likeness that doesn't necessarily imply complete equivalence.