approximately the same size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approximately the same size" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the sizes of two or more objects or entities that are similar in dimension but not exactly equal. Example: "The two buildings are approximately the same size, making them visually balanced in the skyline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were approximately the same size.

Harvard Business Review

"The basement is approximately the same size as my parents' entire house," Mr. Link said.

The New York Times

As Bohr had noticed, the radius of the n = 1 orbit is approximately the same size as an atom.

Britannica

Meanwhile, cut the lemon (half or whole; to taste) into wedges approximately the same size as the chicken pieces.

The Washington Post

In this paper, we study how to partition a tree into edge-disjoint subtrees of approximately the same size.

Discrete Applied Mathematics

As Bohr had noticed, the radius of the n = 1 orbit is approximately the same size as an atom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are both gulfs, approximately the same size and having the same monsoonal water circulation.

Britannica

As spreading pulls the new oceanic crust apart, stripes of approximately the same size should be carried away from the ridge on each side (Fig. 5).

University of California, Berkeley

Experiments were conducted in which hematite was floated in flotation cell and glass particles of approximately the same size were introduced into the froth.

Minerals Engineering

Two bubbles of approximately the same size were produced at the tip of two adjacent capillaries in concentrated solutions of an inorganic electrolyte (NaCl).

Minerals Engineering

It is hard for a man like Moore, just under six feet tall and weighing about a hundred and eighty pounds, to imagine that a man approximately the same size can be immeasurably stronger than he is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing sizes, ensure that the context clarifies what aspect of "size" you're referring to (e.g., volume, area, length) for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly the same size" when "approximately the same size" is more accurate. Overstating similarity can mislead readers if there are perceptible differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approximately the same size" functions as an adjectival phrase used to modify nouns by describing their dimensions in relation to another object. As shown in Ludwig, it indicates that two or more items share similar, but not identical, proportions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approximately the same size" is a versatile phrase used to express a similarity in dimensions without implying exact precision. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and general informational content. While alternatives like "roughly the same size" or "nearly the same size" exist, "approximately the same size" remains a common and reliable choice for conveying relative size comparisons. Avoid overstating similarity by using "exactly" when "approximately" is more fitting. It is important to choose which aspect of size you are referring to to provide clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly the same size

Replaces "approximately" with "roughly", indicating a slightly less precise estimation.

about the same size

Uses "about" instead of "approximately", suggesting a common and informal way to convey similarity.

nearly the same size

Substitutes "approximately" with "nearly", implying a close but not exact equivalence.

virtually the same size

Emphasizes a very close similarity, to the point of being almost indistinguishable.

more or less the same size

Indicates a general similarity with some allowance for minor differences.

comparable in size

Focuses on the comparability of the sizes, rather than a direct statement of similarity.

of similar dimensions

Uses a more formal term, "dimensions", to describe the size comparison.

of equivalent size

Suggests a higher degree of similarity, implying that the sizes serve the same function or purpose.

in the same ballpark size-wise

Offers a more colloquial expression, indicating a rough estimation of size similarity.

on par in size

Emphasizes that the sizes are equal in terms of importance or value.

FAQs

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

You can use "approximately the same size" to compare objects or entities that have similar dimensions. For example: "The two rooms are approximately the same size, but one has higher ceilings."

What can I say instead of "approximately the same size"?

You can use alternatives like "roughly the same size", "about the same size", or "nearly the same size" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "almost approximately the same size"?

Yes, using "almost" and "approximately" together is often redundant. It's better to choose one or the other to maintain clarity and conciseness. Use either "almost the same size" or "approximately the same size".

What's the difference between "approximately the same size" and "exactly the same size"?

"Approximately the same size" indicates a similarity in dimensions, but not a perfect match. "Exactly the same size" means the dimensions are identical. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship between the sizes of the objects being compared.