are virtually identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more items are very similar or almost the same in characteristics or features. Example: "The two models of the smartphone are virtually identical in terms of design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The figures are virtually identical.

The New York Times

The recorded events are virtually identical.

The New York Times - Arts

In most cases, those two lines are virtually identical.

The New Yorker

So in other words the two states are virtually identical.

The Guardian

The two are virtually identical, but bear different social connotations.

The New York Times - Health

The resulting chemicals are virtually identical to their synthetic cousins.

The New York Times

Otherwise, she said, "the plants themselves are virtually identical.

The New York Times

The terms of the two deals are virtually identical to the tentative agreements reached last week.

The New York Times

The arguments against DOMA are virtually identical to the arguments against bans on same-sex marriage.

The New Yorker

"The lawyers are the same, and the arguments are virtually identical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In such villages, community and lineage organizations are virtually identical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are virtually identical" to emphasize a strong similarity while acknowledging minor differences might exist. This phrasing adds nuance compared to stating they are completely identical.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually identical" when there are significant, measurable differences between the items. Reserve this phrase for cases where the differences are negligible for practical purposes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually identical" functions as a copular verb phrase, linking a subject to a predicate adjective, describing a state of near equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are virtually identical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a strong similarity between two or more items. As noted by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and understood across various contexts. The phrase is appropriate for scenarios where items are nearly the same, with only negligible differences. Usage spans multiple domains, from scientific publications to news articles, showing its versatility. When writing, remember to use it when the differences are truly minor to maintain accuracy and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost the same

Emphasizes the near equivalence but acknowledges a slight difference.

are nearly indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving any difference.

are practically equivalent

Focuses on the practical interchangeability despite potential minor differences.

are essentially the same

Stresses the fundamental sameness, downplaying superficial differences.

are much alike

A more informal way to express a strong resemblance.

are closely related

Suggests a strong connection or similarity, often in a broader context.

are comparable

Indicates that the items can be reasonably compared due to their similarities.

mirror each other

Emphasizes a perfect or near-perfect correspondence.

are twins

Uses a metaphorical term to illustrate the very high similarity, or complete likeness.

bear a strong resemblance

Highlights the noticeable similarities that make them appear alike.

FAQs

How can I use "are virtually identical" in a sentence?

The phrase "are virtually identical" is used to indicate that two or more things are almost the same. For example, "The two reports "are virtually identical" in their conclusions".

What are some alternatives to "are virtually identical"?

Alternatives include "are almost the same", "are nearly indistinguishable", and "are practically equivalent".

Is it correct to say "are virtually identical"?

Yes, "are virtually identical" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a high degree of similarity.

What's the difference between "are identical" and "are virtually identical"?

"Are identical" means the items are exactly the same, while "are virtually identical" implies they are extremely similar but may have slight differences. Therefore, "are virtually identical" suggests a near-perfect match rather than an exact one.