are virtually the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that are very similar or identical in most aspects. Example: "The two models of the smartphone are virtually the same, with only minor differences in color and storage capacity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several national organizations claim these two are virtually the same.

Stanford University

In statistical terms, these are virtually the same.

The New York Times

The figures are virtually the same as those for April.

The New York Times

Human bones, said Velasco, are virtually the same no matter how long they've been buried.

Cornell University

The results are virtually the same as those obtained with other methods.

Journal of Computational Physics

Prices for these goods are virtually the same from one club to another.

The New York Times

Their demographic makeup, median income and daytime population -- roughly 200,000 -- are virtually the same.

The New York Times

Things are virtually the same on both sides of the border.

The New York Times

Or why Harvard's tuition and fees, at $33,709, are virtually the same as theirs.

The New York Times

(Raw sugar and turbinado sugar are virtually the same as table sugar). Honey.

The New York Times

The Islanders are virtually the same team they were a year ago, except for the coaching staff.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets or statistical results, use "are virtually the same" to emphasize that differences are statistically insignificant or negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually the same" when there are notable or important differences. Overstating the similarity can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually the same" functions as a comparative descriptor. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in equating different entities based on shared characteristics, implying a strong resemblance without absolute identity. It provides a nuanced way of highlighting similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are virtually the same" is a versatile expression used to indicate a high degree of similarity between two or more entities. As shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While implying close resemblance, it acknowledges minor differences that don't significantly alter the overall comparison. Related phrases such as "are almost identical" and "are essentially the same" can be used as alternatives, providing slight nuances in meaning. By avoiding overstatement and using the phrase appropriately, writers can accurately convey the level of similarity intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost identical

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, close to being the same but with minor differences.

are nearly identical

Implies that the items being compared are extremely similar with very few noticeable differences.

are practically the same

Emphasizes that for all practical purposes, the items are equivalent.

are essentially the same

Highlights that the core characteristics are the same, even if there are superficial differences.

are interchangeable

Suggests that the items can be used in place of each other without any significant difference.

are much alike

Indicates a strong resemblance between the items being compared.

are indistinguishable

Implies that it's difficult or impossible to tell the difference between the items.

are closely related

Suggests a connection or similarity in nature or origin.

are comparable

Indicates that the items can be compared because they share enough common features.

are of a kind

Emphasizes that the items belong to the same category or type.

FAQs

What does it mean when things "are virtually the same"?

When things "are virtually the same", it means they are almost identical, with only very minor differences. This suggests a high degree of similarity without being completely identical.

How to use "are virtually the same" in a sentence?

You can use "are virtually the same" to compare two or more things, highlighting their similarities. For example: "The two reports are virtually the same in their conclusions."

What can I say instead of "are virtually the same"?

You can use alternatives like "are almost identical", "are nearly the same", or "are essentially the same" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "are virtually the same" and "are exactly the same"?

"Are virtually the same" implies a very high degree of similarity with minor differences, while "are exactly the same" means there are no differences at all. Use "are exactly the same" when things are identical in every aspect.