are virtually identical to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually identical to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that are very similar or the same in most aspects. Example: "The two products are virtually identical to each other in terms of design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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 SAT scores of alumni children at Harvard are virtually identical to the student body average.

The Economist

The winners' bodies are virtually identical to those in contests in which steroids are routine, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The futures markets want to trade "single-stock futures," which in economic terms are virtually identical to stocks.

The New York Times

Movielink offers a similar library of mainstream films with playback restrictions that are virtually identical to those of CinemaNow.

The New York Times - Tech

Exterior dimensions of the two-door Paceman are virtually identical to those of the four-door Countryman.

The New York Times

These long, narrow clouds are virtually identical to cirrus clouds, which are formed when naturally high levels of humidity exist in the atmosphere.

The Guardian

"It's a sad fact of life that humans are basically just modified fish, and our genomes are virtually identical to theirs," Currie said.

The Guardian

The provisions of the legislation in Great Neck Plaza and Roslyn Estates are virtually identical to those passed by North Hills.

The New York Times

Of course, there have been deliberate attempts to misdirect gamers toward titles that are virtually identical to successful products – if only in name.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are virtually identical to" to show near equivalence while acknowledging slight differences may exist.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually identical to" when significant differences exist. Overstating similarity can mislead the reader and weaken your argument. Instead, use phrases that indicate partial similarity or resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually identical to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a subject by asserting its similarity to another, as shown in many examples provided by Ludwig. The structure allows for highlighting a near-perfect match while acknowledging potential, yet insignificant, differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are virtually identical to" is a useful tool for expressing a high degree of similarity while acknowledging potential minor differences. It's grammatically sound, widely used in both formal and informal contexts, and has a neutral to formal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Keep in mind that while very close synonyms as "are almost identical to" exist, using the right expression can help ensure precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are essentially the same as

Stresses the fundamental sameness, downplaying any minor variations.

are almost the same as

Indicates a high degree of similarity, but acknowledges minor differences.

are substantially similar to

Highlights a significant level of resemblance, suitable for formal contexts.

are practically equivalent to

Emphasizes functional equivalence, even if there are superficial differences.

are indistinguishable from

Suggests that it is impossible to tell the difference between the two.

are close to being identical with

Expresses a high degree of similarity while admitting there may be some small differences.

are by and large similar to

Highlights overall similarity with possible minor exceptions.

are near equivalents of

Indicates the same level or power of something.

are much alike

An older way of saying that something is very similar to something else.

bear close resemblance to

A formal construction that emphasize similarity, especially regarding appearance.

FAQs

What does "are virtually identical to" mean?

The phrase "are virtually identical to" means that two or more things are almost exactly the same. There might be very minor differences, but for all practical purposes, they can be considered the same.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "are virtually identical to"?

It's appropriate to use "are virtually identical to" when you want to emphasize the high degree of similarity between two things, acknowledging that there might be trivial differences. It's suitable when those differences don't significantly affect the overall comparison.

What are some alternatives to "are virtually identical to"?

You can use alternatives like "are almost the same as", "are essentially the same as", or "are substantially similar to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "are identical to" and "are virtually identical to"?

"Are identical to" implies an exact match with no differences whatsoever. "Are virtually identical to" suggests a very high degree of similarity with only minor, often negligible, differences. The latter is more nuanced and realistic in many comparisons.