are substantially identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are substantially identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that two or more items, concepts, or entities are very similar or nearly the same in significant ways. Example: "The two products are substantially identical in terms of features and performance, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

According to WWD, it will cover, "deliberate copies that are substantially identical to the protected designs" for three years.

The New York Times

The results following this approach are substantially identical to the baseline specification (column 1).

IZA Journal of Migration

Both these crystallographic modifications (α-As4S4 and β-As4S4) are substantially identical from point of their main structural fragments (the elementary cage-type As4S4 molecules possessing D 2d symmetry); they differ only by molecular packing leading to two different monoclinic lattices [26].

Nanoscale Research Letters

While my views are substantially identical to those of Ramsey and Somin, I believe that certain aspects of the debate are being framed in the wrong terms.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The system advocated by him, and soon thereafter adopted by most leading chemists, is substantially identical to what is still used today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the other cases, he said: "We're adopting a cautious approach because the answer depends on individual facts and circumstances to define whether the replacement property is substantially identical to the property that is sold.

The New York Times

More dramatically, the draft declaration proposes amending the human rights convention to make a case inadmissible if the claim was substantially identical to a question that had already been considered by a national court.

The Guardian

One of the biggest changes in the new bill is that designers would have to prove that a copy is "substantially identical" to their originals, rather than "substantially similar".

The New York Times

One of the biggest differences in the new bill is that designers would have to prove that a copy is "substantially identical" to their originals, rather than "substantially similar".

The New York Times

The aligned sinogram is complete and is substantially identical with the sinogram of parallel transmission measurement.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

This hypothesis is substantially identical to that suggested by Rennie and Turgeon ([2009]).

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are substantially identical" when you want to emphasize a significant degree of sameness, especially when minor differences might exist but don't affect the core meaning or function.

Common error

Avoid using "are substantially identical" when there are clear and relevant differences. Overstating the similarity can mislead readers or undermine the credibility of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are substantially identical" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject by indicating a high degree of similarity or equivalence. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are substantially identical" is used to express that two or more things are very similar, with any differences being minor or unimportant. Ludwig AI confirms that is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, use this phrase to show significant sameness, but avoid overstating the identity if clear differences exist. Alternatives such as "are essentially the same" or "are virtually the same" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase's frequency is considered common, reflecting its widespread application in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are essentially the same

Focuses on the core or fundamental aspects being equal.

are virtually the same

Highlights the negligible difference between the compared items.

are practically identical

Emphasizes that the differences are insignificant in a practical sense.

are almost indistinguishable

Stresses the difficulty in telling them apart.

are largely equivalent

Indicates a high degree of correspondence or functional interchangeability.

are nearly equivalent

Expresses a close similarity but allows for some minor differences.

are closely related

Indicates a strong connection or resemblance but not necessarily exact equivalence.

are effectively equal

Highlights the functional equality, even if the form differs.

are much alike

A more informal way of expressing similarity.

are broadly similar

Indicates a general resemblance without requiring precise matching.

FAQs

What does it mean when items "are substantially identical"?

When items "are substantially identical", it means they are very similar in essential features and functions, though there may be minor or insignificant differences.

When is it appropriate to say that two things "are substantially identical"?

It's appropriate when the key aspects of the items being compared are so similar that the differences are negligible for the purpose being discussed. For alternatives you may consider "are essentially the same" or "are virtually the same".

How does "are substantially identical" differ from "are identical"?

"Are identical" implies perfect sameness in every aspect. "Are substantially identical" acknowledges that minor differences may exist but the main qualities "are closely related".

What are some alternatives to using "are substantially identical" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are virtually the same", "are practically identical", or "are largely equivalent".