are identical to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are identical to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that two things share the same exact characteristics. For example: "The twins' appearances are identical to one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The symptoms are identical to Ebola – fever, headache, vomiting.

The Guardian

It's a fractal Africa, since there are subsets that are identical to the overall shape.

The Guardian

I want to keep my child surrounded by people who are identical to me.

The New York Times

The SmartMedia cards sold with either machine are identical to those used in Olympus cameras.

The New York Times - Tech

These are identical to the statements top Iranian officials have been making for years.

The Guardian - Opinion

In some seats, local council areas are identical to Westminster boundaries.

The Guardian

For property that LIPA inherited from Lilco, these payments are identical to taxes.

The New York Times

The dark curls on the other are identical to K.'s brother's.

The New York Times - Magazine

For the most part, the new pieces are identical to, and interchangeable with, the originals.

The New York Times

But in most cases, these are identical to those for sleep deprivation.

The New York Times

Why does it give out customer ID numbers that are identical to actual account numbers?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are identical to" when you want to emphasize that two or more things share the exact same characteristics or properties without any discernible difference. For example: "The DNA sequences of the two samples are identical to each other."

Common error

Avoid using "are identical to" when you actually mean "are similar to" or "resemble". "Identical" implies a perfect match, while "similar" allows for some differences. Ensure your comparison requires exact equivalence before using "are identical to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are identical to" functions as a copular verb phrase that serves to equate two subjects, asserting that they share the same characteristics or properties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its core grammatical function is to establish a relationship of complete equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are identical to" is a versatile phrase used to assert complete equivalence between two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts, including science, news, and general discussions. The phrase functions as a copular verb phrase, emphasizing an exact match. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to distinguish it from "are similar to", ensuring that the comparison requires absolute equivalence. With high source quality and consistent usage, "are identical to" remains a reliable choice for conveying precise and unambiguous comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are the same as

Emphasizes exact equivalence; subtly different in tone.

are equivalent to

Highlights functional equivalence, implying similar results or effects.

are equal to

Focuses on quantitative or measurable equivalence.

are indistinguishable from

Highlights the inability to perceive any differences.

are analogous to

Suggests a similarity in some respects, but not necessarily complete equivalence.

correspond to

Indicates a relationship or connection, often used when matching items or ideas.

mirror

Implies a perfect reflection or exact duplication.

match

Suggests a close agreement or correspondence, often in specific features.

duplicate

Highlights a perfect reproduction or copy.

replicate

Indicates a repeated production of something identical.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "are identical to"?

You can use alternatives like "are the same as", "are equivalent to", or "are indistinguishable from" depending on the context.

How do I use "are identical to" in a sentence?

Use "are identical to" to indicate that two or more things share the exact same characteristics. For example, "The test results are identical to those from last year".

Which is correct, "are identical to" or "are identical with"?

"Are identical to" is the correct and more common usage. "Are identical with" is less frequent and can sound unnatural in many contexts.

What's the difference between "are identical to" and "are similar to"?

"Are identical to" implies a perfect match with no discernible differences, while "are similar to" indicates a resemblance but allows for some differences to exist. Use "are similar to" when only some characteristics align.