are mostly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mostly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things share a high degree of similarity or commonality. Example: "The results from both experiments are mostly the same, suggesting that the methodology was effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

X and Y are mostly the same.

The New York Times - Arts

The other bedrooms are mostly the same; one even has a strip of our old wallpaper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cameron will find these three-child families are mostly the same "hardworking" folk he praises.

The Guardian - Opinion

American coaches have to be unique to survive; Russian coaches are mostly the same.

The New York Times - Sports

If the features are mostly the same, then how do the no-name companies keep their prices so low?

The New York Times - Tech

The language of our politics has changed since last year's Presidential election, but our politicians are mostly the same.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

They were mostly the same.

The Economist

The West End is mostly the same crossroads as always.

The New York Times

In "Old Filth," a parallel scene is mostly the same, but the sentiment is different.

The New York Times - Books

The standings could be different in August, but the personalities will be mostly the same.

The New York Times

The lineup was mostly the same Wednesday, and Haren was nearly as good as Gonzalez.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are mostly the same" when you want to convey that items being compared share significant characteristics while acknowledging minor differences. Be specific about what aspects are similar and what aspects differ for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are mostly the same" when significant differences exist. If the differences outweigh the similarities, opt for phrases like "are somewhat different" or "have key distinctions."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mostly the same" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating a high degree of similarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are mostly the same" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a significant degree of similarity while acknowledging minor differences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. It is most commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and business communications, making it suitable for a range of contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the similarities are indeed more prominent than the differences to maintain clarity and avoid overstating the case. Alternatives such as "are largely similar" or "are practically identical" can provide different shades of meaning depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are largely similar

Emphasizes the similarity, but may allow for more minor differences.

are practically identical

Highlights near-perfect sameness, suggesting minimal differences.

are almost equivalent

Focuses on the functional equivalence, even if not identical.

are nearly indistinguishable

Stresses the difficulty in telling them apart.

are much alike

A more informal way of saying they share many characteristics.

are substantially similar

Highlights that the core aspects are the same.

share many similarities

Shifts the focus to the commonalities they possess.

have a lot in common

An idiomatic expression indicating shared traits or features.

bear a close resemblance

Suggests a visual or superficial similarity.

are comparable

Indicates that they can be compared because of their similarities.

FAQs

What does "are mostly the same" mean?

The phrase "are mostly the same" means that two or more things share many characteristics and are very similar, but not completely identical. There are minor differences between them.

Which is correct, "are mostly the same" or "are mostly similar"?

Both "are mostly the same" and "are mostly similar" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Are mostly the same" implies a higher degree of similarity. You can use alternatives like "are largely similar".

What can I say instead of "are mostly the same"?

You can use alternatives such as "are largely similar", "are practically identical", or "are nearly indistinguishable" depending on the context.

How to use "are mostly the same" in a sentence?

You can use "are mostly the same" to compare different items and show they have more similarities than differences. For example: "The ingredients in both recipes are mostly the same, but the cooking times vary."