are virtually the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that are very similar in nature or characteristics. Example: "The two software programs are virtually the same as they offer identical features and functionalities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The figures are virtually the same as those for April.

The New York Times

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

Journal of Computational Physics

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

"These very ancient copies of biblical books are virtually the same as the copies that we ourselves use.

The New York Times - Arts

The proportions are virtually the same as for the white farmhouse loaf, but the method and ingredients are slightly different.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The experience of reading these facsimile pages is virtually the same as reading the manuscripts themselves.

Harvard University

"They're virtually the same as they were prior to the settlement".

The New York Times

"The number of homes is virtually the same as the number of households," Wilcox wrote.

The Guardian

The second set of results was virtually the same as the first.

The Economist

Sled hockey -- called sledge hockey outside the United States -- is virtually the same as regular hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are virtually the same as" to highlight a strong similarity, especially when minor differences might exist but don't significantly alter the overall comparison. For example: "The two models are virtually the same as each other in terms of performance."

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually the same as" if there are significant differences between the items being compared. This phrase implies a very high degree of similarity, and misusing it can mislead your audience. Instead, consider using "are similar to" or "have some overlap with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually the same as" functions as a comparative expression. It's used to equate two or more entities, emphasizing their similarity to the point where differences are negligible. As Ludwig shows, this comparison can apply to objects, concepts, or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are virtually the same as" is a useful phrase for highlighting a strong similarity between two or more entities, suggesting minimal differences. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for both formal and informal use. While it's frequently found in news and scientific contexts, as seen across the Ludwig examples, it's crucial to ensure the items being compared truly exhibit a high degree of similarity to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "are nearly identical to" or "are almost the same as" can be used to fine-tune the comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are nearly identical to

Emphasizes a very high degree of similarity, bordering on exactness.

are almost the same as

Indicates a high level of similarity with minor differences.

are practically equivalent to

Highlights functional equivalence even if superficial differences exist.

are essentially the same as

Focuses on the fundamental similarity, disregarding minor details.

are much alike

A more general expression of similarity, suitable for less formal contexts.

bear a close resemblance to

Emphasizes visual or superficial similarity.

are comparable to

Suggests similarity sufficient for comparison, though not necessarily equivalence.

are analogous to

Highlights similarity in function or structure, often used in technical contexts.

mirror each other

Implies a direct correspondence or reflection between two things.

share many similarities with

Indicates that numerous similarities exist without claiming near-identity.

FAQs

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

Use "are virtually the same as" to compare two or more things that are almost identical. For example: "The new software and the old software are virtually the same as they both do the same thing."

What's the difference between "are virtually the same as those" and "are virtually the same as"?

"are virtually the same as those" often refers back to a previously mentioned group or category, while "are virtually the same as" can be used when directly comparing two specific items or concepts.

What are some alternatives to "are virtually the same as"?

Alternatives include "are nearly identical to", "are almost the same as", or "are essentially the same as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are virtually the same as"?

Use "are virtually the same as" when you want to emphasize that two things have very few or no significant differences. This implies that any minor differences do not affect the overall comparison in a meaningful way.