are the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are the same' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two items or things to show that they are equivalent or identical. For example: "The colors of the two shirts are the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are the same.

The New York Times

"Mine are the same.

Independent

All mothers are the same.

The New York Times

The benefits are the same.

The Economist

My ambitions are the same.

The New York Times

My hopes are the same.

The New York Times

Aspirations are the same everywhere.

The New York Times - Travel

The principles are the same".

The New York Times - Science

They are the same man.

Independent

The men are the same.

The New York Times

"All startups are the same.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are the same" to clearly indicate equivalence between two or more things. Ensure the context provides sufficient information to understand what aspects are being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "are the same" when only a general similarity is intended. Opt for phrases like "are similar" or "are alike" when the items being compared aren't perfectly identical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the same" serves as a copular verb phrase indicating identity or equivalence between two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a standard grammatical construction. Examples include "They are the same man" and "The needs are the same."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are the same" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express equivalence or identity between subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples showcase its frequent application in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. When precision is key, consider alternatives like "are identical" or "are equivalent" to fine-tune your message. Be mindful not to use the phrase when only a general similarity exists; in those cases, "are similar" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are one and the same

Expresses absolute identity; a more emphatic way of saying "are the same".

are identical

Emphasizes complete equivalence, implying no discernible difference.

are virtually identical

Indicates near-perfect similarity, allowing for negligible differences.

are equivalent

Highlights functional similarity, even if minor differences exist.

are indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell the difference between the items being compared.

are alike

Suggests a strong resemblance or similarity, but not necessarily perfect identity.

share the same characteristics

Focuses on the common attributes or features of the items.

are comparable

Highlights that the items can be compared because they share significant similarities.

bear a resemblance

Indicates a similarity in appearance or nature.

parallel each other

Suggests that the items follow a similar course or have similar aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "are the same" to indicate that two or more things are identical or equivalent. For example, "These two numbers are the same" or "The ingredients in this recipe are the same as the other one".

What are some alternatives to "are the same"?

You can use alternatives such as "are identical", "are equivalent", or "are alike" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "are the same"?

While grammatically correct, "are the same" is best used when items are truly identical. If they only share similarities, consider using alternatives like "are similar" or "resemble each other".

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

"Are the same" implies complete identity, while "are similar" suggests that items share characteristics but aren't identical. For example, "These twins are the same" means they are virtually indistinguishable, whereas "These cars are similar" means they share features but may have differences.