are virtually indistinguishable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually indistinguishable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that are so similar that they cannot be easily differentiated. Example: "The two species of birds are virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But in design, the two are virtually indistinguishable.

The New York Times

Inside and out, they are virtually indistinguishable from a small suburban tract house.

The New York Times

In fact, testing and marketing are virtually indistinguishable from one another.

Harvard Business Review

In many countries around the world the challenges are virtually indistinguishable.

Harvard Business Review

The two say there is little competition between them, even though their positions are virtually indistinguishable.

The New York Times - Sports

Apart from 'the National Question', the economic policies of Labour and the SNP are virtually indistinguishable.

The Guardian

The juveniles, however, are both light brown patterned with dark, and are virtually indistinguishable in the field.

Cornell University

To the naked eye, the results are virtually indistinguishable from direct manipulation of the high-resolution image.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In terms of constitutional values, I think that such controls are virtually indistinguishable from the State's ban on promotional advertising.

Cornell University

Bézier projection exhibits provably optimal convergence and yields projections that are virtually indistinguishable from global L2 projection.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

(As a Calatrava retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art reveals, his building models are virtually indistinguishable from his sculptures).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are virtually indistinguishable" when you want to emphasize that the differences between two or more things are so minimal that they are functionally the same. This phrase adds a layer of precision.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually indistinguishable" in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "are almost the same" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually indistinguishable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject by asserting a state of near-identity. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to compare entities, emphasizing their extreme similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are virtually indistinguishable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that two or more things are extremely similar, bordering on identical. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic writing, demonstrating its versatility and acceptance. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. To maintain clarity and avoid overuse, it's important to consider the context and audience when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost identical

Emphasizes the near-perfect similarity, focusing on the identical nature.

are nearly the same

Highlights the minimal difference between the items being compared.

are practically equivalent

Stresses the functional equivalence despite potential minor differences.

are essentially alike

Focuses on the fundamental similarity, downplaying superficial differences.

are much the same

Indicates a high degree of similarity without claiming complete identity.

are closely related

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

are mirror images

Implies a perfect reflection or exact correspondence between two things.

bear a close resemblance

Emphasizes the similarity in appearance or characteristics.

can't be told apart

Focuses on the inability to differentiate between the items.

appear as one and the same

Suggests that the items are perceived as a single, unified entity.

FAQs

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

This phrase is used to emphasize that two or more items are so similar that they are hard to tell apart. For example: "The twins' personalities "are virtually indistinguishable"."

What's a simpler alternative to "are virtually indistinguishable"?

Consider using phrases like "are nearly the same" or "are almost identical" for less formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "are virtually indistinguishable" in scientific writing?

Yes, this phrase is appropriate for scientific writing when you need to convey a high degree of similarity between experimental results, samples, or other measurable entities. It adds a level of precision suitable for academic contexts.

What is the difference between "are virtually indistinguishable" and "are similar"?

"Are similar" indicates a general resemblance, whereas ""are virtually indistinguishable"" means the differences are so minimal they are practically the same. The latter is a stronger statement of likeness.