are one and the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"are one and the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express similarity between two or more things. For example: "The words 'synonym' and 'cognate' are one and the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On this particular frontier, cowboys and Indians are one and the same.

Los Angeles Times

The issues are one and the same.

Cornell University

One belief is that they are one and the same.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Man and meme, it seems, are one and the same.

The Guardian - Music

Dehumanization and "desacralization" are one and the same.

The New Yorker

America and African America are one and the same.

The New York Times - Arts

Its peace and ours are one and the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not often they are one and the same.

The Guardian - Books

'Those things are one and the same,' he says.

The Guardian - Film

I think those dynamics are one and the same.

The New York Times

In many ways, their aspirations are one and the same.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are one and the same" to clearly emphasize that two seemingly different things are essentially identical in nature or effect. This phrase adds weight and clarity to your assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "are one and the same" when you simply mean 'similar' or 'related'. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the concepts being compared are fundamentally identical, not just alike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are one and the same" functions as a predicate adjective, asserting that two or more subjects share a fundamental identity. As noted by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression in written English. The phrase emphasizes the equivalence between seemingly distinct entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are one and the same" is a versatile expression used to assert the essential identity or equivalence between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable expression, commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize that seemingly different things are, in fact, fundamentally the same. Be careful not to use it when you simply mean 'similar'. Related phrases include "identical", "equivalent", and "one and the same thing", each carrying slightly different nuances. While "are one and the same" is correct, you may also want to consider "is one and the same" for singular subjects that encompass multiple aspects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one and the same thing

More emphatic, highlighting that it's not just similar but fundamentally the same.

identical

Implies exact correspondence or resemblance in every detail.

equal

Suggests the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as each other.

equivalent

Indicates a state of being virtually equal; applicable or valid without loss of ultimate effect or function.

interchangeable

Highlights the ability to be used in place of each other.

the same

A more basic way of expressing identity or indistinguishability.

virtually indistinguishable

Stresses that any differences are so minor as to be negligible.

for all intents and purposes, the same

Introduces a legal or pragmatic perspective, emphasizing practical equivalence.

tantamount to

Asserts that something is virtually the same as something else, especially in effect or value.

cut from the same cloth

Figurative language, suggesting things share the same origin or characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "are one and the same" in a sentence?

You can use "are one and the same" to emphasize that two things are essentially identical. For example, "In this context, success and happiness "are one and the same"."

What's a more emphatic way to say "are one and the same"?

For a more emphatic phrasing, you could say "are absolutely identical" or "one and the same thing" to really drive home the point of complete equivalence.

Which is correct, "are one and the same" or "is one and the same"?

"Are one and the same" is correct when referring to multiple subjects. "Is one and the same" is used when referring to a singular subject that encompasses multiple aspects.

What's the difference between "are one and the same" and "similar"?

"Are one and the same" implies complete identity, while "similar" suggests resemblance without being identical. The first expresses equivalence, the latter expresses resemblance.