are identical

USAGE SUMMARY

"are identical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two or more things as being the same or exactly alike. For example, "These two foods are identical in appearance and taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both days are identical.

The Guardian

No two are identical.

The New York Times - Travel

They are identical.

The Guardian - Money

The two categories are identical?

The New Yorker

The color schemes are identical.

The New Yorker

Why are identical twins alike?

The New Yorker

Scott and Bradley are identical.

The Guardian

No two rooms are identical.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fares are identical from Boston.

The New York Times - Travel

We think they are identical.

The New Yorker

JUST how identical are identical twins?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are identical", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific characteristics or aspects being compared. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "are identical" when the items being compared share many similarities but have some minor differences. In such cases, use more nuanced expressions like "are very similar" or "are nearly identical."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are identical" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject by asserting that two or more entities share the same characteristics without any differences. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are identical" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that two or more things are exactly the same. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples demonstrate its presence across various domains, including news, science, and general discussions. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve its usage for cases where a true equivalence exists, avoiding its application when similarities are only partial. Related alternatives include "are the same", "are exactly alike", and "are indistinguishable", offering nuanced ways to express varying degrees of similarity. In conclusion, ensure that the context validates a full match of characteristics to accurately employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are the same

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express equivalence.

are exactly alike

This alternative emphasizes the precision and completeness of the similarity.

are indistinguishable

This alternative suggests that it is impossible to tell the difference between the items being compared.

are equivalent

This alternative is often used in more formal or technical contexts.

are interchangeable

This alternative implies that the items can be used in place of each other without any difference.

are a perfect match

This alternative suggests that the items correspond in every detail.

are duplicates

This alternative emphasizes the idea that one item is a copy of the other.

are twins

This alternative is used metaphorically to describe two items that are very similar.

correspond exactly

This alternative highlights the precise alignment and agreement between the items.

mirror each other

This alternative implies a reflection or close resemblance in structure or form.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are identical" is used to assert that two or more things are exactly the same. For example, "The two fingerprints "are identical", confirming it was the same person at both scenes."

What phrases can I use instead of "are identical"?

Alternatives to "are identical" include "are the same", "are exactly alike", or "are indistinguishable" depending on the degree of precision you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are identical" versus "are similar"?

"Are identical" should be used when items share every single characteristic without any differences. "Are similar" is appropriate when items share many, but not all, characteristics. The choice depends on the accuracy of the comparison you're making.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is identical" instead of "are identical"?

No, "is identical" should be used when referring to a singular subject. "Are identical" is for plural subjects. For example, "This sample "is identical" to the control" versus "These samples "are identical" to each other."