approximately identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing two or more items that are very similar but not exactly the same. Example: "The two models are approximately identical in terms of features and performance, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The experimental results show that the measured eigenfrequency and sensitivity are approximately identical to design values.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

At large |ky| (SER regime), K and K′ band contours become approximately identical; (c) Reflection angles of K (red curve) and K′(green curve) electrons.

Nature

Finally, the instrument's capability for discriminating two peaks appearing in approximately identical drift times using each individual ionization source is demonstrated.

Talanta

The fitting parameters, critical transition force (CTF) and indentation modulus (IM) increased with increasing temperature but remained approximately identical with increasing brine concentration.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

By contrast, the fracture toughness of gypsum remains approximately identical after treatment with water, half-saturated brine, and saturated brine at the same temperature.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

The specularly reflected electrons are always divergently reflected and the valley states are mixed since the upper and lower 'tips' of the constant energy band contour at large |ky| are approximately identical for both K and K′ valleys.

Nature

The near and far-fault motions, which have approximately identical peak ground accelerations from same earthquake, are selected by representing their own characteristics (i.e., velocity, distance, etc).

Engineering Structures

The reactivity ratios determined by the Kelen Tüdõs method were rβ-pinene= 1.1 and risobutylene=0.89, which indicated that the composition of copolymer is approximately identical to the monomer feed ratio.

Polymer

In this study comparisons are made of the results of a series of simulations for different values of the Reynolds number, but with fixed Schmidt and Prandtl numbers (Sc=Pr=0.7) and identical chemistry and approximately identical large-scale dynamics and initial scalar geometry.

Combustion and Flame

However, nuclear euchromatin, but not heterochromatin, appeared approximately identical to cytoplasm in elemental and water content.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It seemed sensible to compare head extension and LBLM angles only if laryngeal exposure was maximal and approximately identical during both laryngoscopies in all patients.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets or experimental results, use "approximately identical" to acknowledge minor variations while emphasizing overall similarity. This avoids overstating exact matches when subtle differences exist.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately identical" when describing items that have significant, consequential differences. Instead, choose a phrase that more accurately reflects the degree of dissimilarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately identical" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, adding a degree of qualification to the adjective 'identical'. It softens the assertion of complete equivalence, acknowledging slight variations. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is correct and appropriate for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately identical" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote a high level of similarity without claiming absolute equivalence. According to Ludwig AI, its suitability for written English is confirmed. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, this phrase serves to accurately describe scenarios where minor variations exist, demanding precision. For situations where exact matches are unnecessary or inaccurate, it's advisable to consider phrases like "nearly identical" or "virtually identical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly identical

Omits the qualifier "approximately", indicating a slightly stronger degree of similarity.

virtually identical

Suggests a similarity that is so close as to be almost indistinguishable.

almost the same

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of close similarity.

roughly equivalent

Emphasizes a functional equivalence rather than exact sameness.

practically indistinguishable

Focuses on the difficulty of telling the items apart.

closely resemble

Shifts the focus to visual or superficial similarity.

fairly similar

Indicates a more moderate degree of similarity.

much alike

A more informal way of expressing a high degree of similarity.

comparable to

Highlights the similarity in the context of comparison.

on par with

Implies that the items are equal in quality or status.

FAQs

How can I use "approximately identical" in a sentence?

You can use "approximately identical" to describe two or more things that are very similar but not exactly the same. For example, "The two prototypes produced results that were approximately identical."

What's a good alternative to "approximately identical"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "nearly identical", "virtually identical", or "almost the same".

Is it appropriate to use "approximately identical" in formal writing?

Yes, "approximately identical" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific and technical contexts, when you need to convey a high degree of similarity without claiming exact equivalence.

What's the difference between "approximately identical" and "exactly identical"?

"Approximately identical" means that things are very similar but not perfectly the same, while "exactly identical" means that things are completely the same in every way. Using "exactly identical" implies no differences whatsoever.