all the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"all the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more things that are equally important or equally applicable despite their differences. For example, "This task is difficult, but all the same, I'm determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're all the same".

The New York Times - Arts

We're all the same.

The New York Times

It's all the same".

The New York Times - Food

Politicians all the same".

The New Yorker

"Musically it's all the same.

The New York Times

"They are all the same.

The Economist

They're all the same people.

The New York Times

'Oh, they're all the same.

The New Yorker

They were all the same.

The New Yorker

A bride all the same.

The New Yorker

It was all the same.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all the same" to introduce a contrasting point that doesn't negate the initial statement. It adds nuance and acknowledges both sides of an issue.

Common error

Avoid using "all the same" when you intend to completely dismiss the previous statement. It implies a degree of acceptance, not outright rejection.

How to use

Learn how to use "all the same" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all the same" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb or clause it accompanies. It typically expresses concession, indicating that something is true or happens despite a previous statement or circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Arts

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all the same" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating concession or similarity despite differences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and wide applicability. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various registers, most frequently found in news and media, but adaptable to artistic and scientific contexts as well. While alternatives exist for more formal situations, "all the same" offers a balanced tone for expressing contrast or qualification, as evidenced by its widespread use in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just the same

Directly expresses that something remains unchanged or equivalent.

nevertheless

Emphasizes contrast despite a previous statement.

even so

Indicates something is true despite what has been said.

nonetheless

Similar to 'nevertheless' but can sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of concession.

however

Introduces a statement that contrasts with or seems unexpected given what has been said.

regardless

Shows that something is not affected by other considerations.

in spite of that

Highlights a fact that does not prevent something else from being true.

similarly

Points out a resemblance or parallel between things.

all the while

Indicates that something happened continuously or concurrently.

identically

Highlights the equivalence or correspondence between things.

FAQs

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

Use "all the same" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement, similar to 'nevertheless' or 'even so'. For example, "The task was difficult, but I completed it "all the same"".

What's a good alternative to "all the same"?

Alternatives include "nevertheless", "even so", or "nonetheless", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "all the same" formal or informal?

"All the same" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though alternatives like "notwithstanding" might be preferred in very formal writing.

How does "all the same" differ from "at the same time"?

"All the same" indicates concession or similarity despite differences, while "at the same time" indicates simultaneity. For example, "He was tired, but "all the same", he continued working" versus "He was working and listening to music "at the same time"".