approximately the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"approximately the same" is a correct phrase and it can be used in written English.
For example, "The measurements of the two objects were approximately the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(But both wore approximately the same sneakers).

The New York Times

The gentleman bought a house, approximately the same market value, approximately the same square footage.

The New York Times

"Across the country contamination was on average approximately the same.

The Guardian

Younger voters favored Mr. Bush by approximately the same margin.

The New York Times

To Chinese conservationists, the phrase "wetland park" has approximately the same valence as "petting zoo".

The New Yorker

"They shouldn't be called modifications if people pay more or approximately the same".

The New York Times

Approximately the same number are taking the lead in security operations or are "fully independent".

The New York Times

Approximately the same amount was lost by the company through the devaluation of the currency.

The Guardian - Books

Astron 35SQ crystal-controlled contraption was approximately the same price as a Toyota Corolla.

The New Yorker

2012: Bush hits his final goal and 400 pounds at approximately the same time.

The New York Times

"I observed that I had approximately the same chances of achieving that position as of becoming an astronaut," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities or values, ensure that using "approximately the same" is appropriate by checking the margin of error or acceptable variance in your context. Be precise about acceptable variations.

Common error

Avoid using "approximately the same" when the items being compared are significantly different. This phrase implies a closer similarity than might exist; use more appropriate terms like 'somewhat similar' or 'comparable' if the difference is notable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately the same" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies an adjective, indicating a degree of similarity or equivalence that is not exact but close. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in English. The examples showcase its use in various contexts to express near equality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "approximately the same" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a near equivalence or similarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, from formal writing to everyday conversation. While it's essential to use it accurately, recognizing that things compared are closely related but not identical, the examples provided highlight the breadth of its applications. Its prevalence in News & Media and Scientific domains shows its widespread acceptance in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly identical

Indicates a very close similarity, bordering on being the same, but not perfectly so.

almost identical

Suggests a high degree of similarity, with only minor differences.

roughly equivalent

Implies an approximate equality in value or effect.

virtually the same

Emphasizes that any differences are so small as to be negligible.

in the same ballpark

An informal way to say two things are close in number or amount.

comparable to

Suggests that items are similar enough to be compared.

on par with

Indicates a similar level of quality or performance.

much alike

Highlights the similarities between two or more things.

pretty similar

A casual way of saying that two things have many similarities.

not unlike

A more subtle way of pointing out similarities.

FAQs

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

You can use "approximately the same" to indicate that two or more things are nearly equal or very similar. For example, "The two houses are approximately the same size."

What phrases are similar to "approximately the same"?

Alternatives include "nearly identical", "roughly equivalent", or "virtually the same", depending on the desired level of precision.

Is it better to say "approximately the same" or "exactly the same"?

Use "approximately the same" when there's a slight difference between the things being compared. Use "exactly the same" when they are identical.

Can "approximately the same" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "approximately the same" can be used for both concrete and abstract concepts. For example, "Their opinions on the matter were approximately the same."