are indistinguishable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are indistinguishable" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more things which are seen to be the same, or that cannot be distinguished from each other. For example: The two colors of paint are indistinguishable from one another.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The flowers are indistinguishable".

The New York Times

The two groups are indistinguishable.

The New York Times

It's true that many are indistinguishable.

Independent

"Indeed, they are indistinguishable from them.

The New York Times

"His position and Felix Grucci's positions are indistinguishable," she said.

The New York Times

To my eye, they are indistinguishable from the surrounding jungle.

The Guardian - Travel

A world where facts and fiction are indistinguishable.

The Guardian - Arts

Gunmen in the province today are indistinguishable from Taliban fighters.

The New York Times

The two words (and add torturer) are indistinguishable to him.

The New York Times - Books

"Very often these buildings are indistinguishable from office buildings".

The New York Times

"Most art dealers are indistinguishable from fashion people," he said.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are indistinguishable", ensure you clearly specify the aspects in which the items are similar. For instance, "The two species are indistinguishable in terms of their physical appearance."

Common error

Avoid using "are indistinguishable" when there are subtle but significant differences. It's more accurate to say "are very similar" or "share many characteristics" if complete indistinguishability is not accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are indistinguishable" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject of a sentence to a description of its state or quality. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that two or more entities cannot be differentiated. Examples in Ludwig show it describing visual similarity, functional equivalence, and conceptual overlap.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are indistinguishable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to denote a lack of perceptible difference between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing things that cannot be told apart. Its prevalence across news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its versatility and neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the context in which the subjects are similar and avoid using it when subtle yet significant differences exist. Ludwig provides numerous examples highlighting its use, and exploring alternatives like ""are virtually identical"" can enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be differentiated

This alternative emphasizes the inability to perceive any difference between the items being compared.

are virtually identical

This phrase highlights that the items are so similar as to be practically the same.

are practically the same

This suggests that any differences are so minor as to be inconsequential.

are nearly identical

This indicates a very high degree of similarity, with only minor differences potentially existing.

show no appreciable difference

Highlights that even upon close inspection, no notable differences can be found.

appear identical

Focuses on the outward appearance of the items, suggesting they look the same, regardless of potential underlying differences.

are much alike

A more general term indicating strong similarities but not necessarily complete identity.

are substantially similar

Indicates that the key aspects of the items are alike, even if minor details differ.

are equivalent

Highlights that the items perform the same function or have the same value.

bear a close resemblance

Emphasizes the strong visual or characteristic similarities between the subjects.

FAQs

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

Use "are indistinguishable" to indicate that two or more things cannot be told apart. For example, "The twins "are indistinguishable" to most people."

What is a good alternative to "are indistinguishable"?

Alternatives include "are virtually identical", "cannot be differentiated", or "are practically the same", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is indistinguishable" or "are indistinguishable"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is indistinguishable" for a singular subject and "are indistinguishable" for plural subjects. For example, "This apple is indistinguishable from that one" versus "These apples "are indistinguishable"".

What does it mean when two things are described as "indistinguishable"?

It means they appear to be the same, or that differences between them are so slight as to be imperceptible. They "are virtually identical" in some defined aspect.