are practically the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are practically the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that are very similar in nature or characteristics. Example: "The two models of the smartphone are practically the same, with only minor differences in color and storage capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

So, really, we are practically the same person.

The New York Times

The dimensions of the two little pictures are practically the same- i.e. the height.

Harvard University

The two notes are practically the same, though one's in another range.

The New York Times - Arts

As far as I am concerned, compared to many other life-forms, deer and people are practically the same thing".

The New York Times - Books

Thus, the wetted surface areas of plastic packings with hydrophilic surface and of ceramic packings are practically the same.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, as we note in that paper, the 1934 and 1998 temperature are practically the same, the difference being much smaller than the uncertainty.

The Guardian

The average percentage error in computation of discharge through the orifice considering it as large and small are, respectively, 1.59% and 1.66% which are practically the same.

Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Casement was practically the same.

The Guardian

Heel to toe, their feet were practically the same size.

The New Yorker

There is another report by two English doctors which is practically the same.

Yale University

Residual strength envelopes were practically the same for the intact and jointed specimens.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are practically the same" when you want to convey that two or more things are so similar that their differences are negligible for the purpose you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "are practically the same" if there are significant differences between the items being compared. This phrase implies a very high degree of similarity, and misusing it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are practically the same" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that two or more entities are almost identical, with any differences being insignificant in a given context. Ludwig examples illustrate this function across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

33%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are practically the same" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that two or more items share a high degree of similarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure that the differences truly are insignificant to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives include "are virtually identical" or "are essentially the same", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are virtually identical

Indicates an almost perfect match, stronger than "practically the same".

are almost identical

Similar to 'virtually identical' but implying a slightly lesser degree of exactness.

are essentially the same

Focuses on the core essence being equal, downplaying minor differences.

are nearly the same

Highlights that the differences are very small.

are largely the same

Suggests that the majority is similar, with allowance for some dissimilar parts.

are much alike

A more general way of saying they share many similarities.

are comparable

States they can be compared because of their likeness.

are analogous

Implies a similarity in some respects, but not necessarily in all aspects.

are broadly similar

Suggests likeness in a general sense, allowing for considerable divergence in detail.

bear a strong resemblance

Focuses on visual or superficial similarity.

FAQs

What does it mean when things "are practically the same"?

When things "are practically the same", it means they are so similar that any differences between them are unimportant or negligible in a given context.

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

You can use "are practically the same" to compare two or more items, highlighting their high degree of similarity. For example, "For all intents and purposes, "civil unions" and same-sex marriage "are practically the same".

Which is more accurate, "are practically the same" or "are exactly the same"?

"Are exactly the same" indicates a complete and total equivalence. "Are practically the same" implies a very high degree of similarity, but allows for minor differences that don't significantly impact the overall comparison.

What are some alternatives to using "are practically the same"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are virtually identical", "are essentially the same", or "are nearly the same".