as similar as possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"as similar as possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to state that two items should be as similar as they can be without being exactly the same. For example, "We need to make sure the two measurements are as similar as possible to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Davidson philosophy is that roommates should be as similar as possible, while halls should be as diverse as possible.

The New York Times

Even the lighting is set up as it is in the radio theatre to make it as similar as possible.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The novel and control sound sequences must be alternated so as to keep background conditions as similar as possible.

The New York Times - Science

"The piece begins and ends with the idea of the two brothers being split, and I've made them as similar as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Too often broadcasters' default response to peaktime competition is to commission stuff as similar as possible to someone else's latest hit.

The Guardian

Internally, the way the company thinks about apps has shifted: for a time, its philosophy was that its apps should feel as similar as possible across every platform.

The New Yorker

The warm-ups and workouts are all the same so I am trying to keep the feelings as similar as possible but it's a stupid game isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, it must be as similar as possible to the current one.

Computers & Operations Research

Lind tried to address this question by beginning with patients who were as similar as possible.

SEP

A goal is to design the watermark so that    and are perceptually as similar as possible.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

To achieve this, it is instrumental to keep the numerical test conditions as similar as possible.

Geothermal Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as similar as possible" in experimental design, clearly define which variables are being controlled to maximize similarity and why these are important for the study's validity.

Common error

Avoid using "as similar as possible" when describing things that are fundamentally different. Focus instead on highlighting specific points of similarity rather than implying complete equivalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as similar as possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically used to describe the degree to which something should resemble something else. Ludwig provides examples across numerous scientific and news domains confirming its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as similar as possible" is a versatile expression that underscores the intention to maximize resemblance within given parameters. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is frequently used in scientific research, news reporting, and business contexts. While it is grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is important to avoid overstating similarity when fundamental differences exist. Alternatives such as "as close as reasonably achievable" and "as analogous as feasible" can offer nuanced shades of meaning depending on the specific context. Overall, "as similar as possible" serves as a useful tool for communicating the pursuit of likeness while acknowledging practical limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as analogous as feasible

Replaces 'possible' with 'feasible' which focuses on practicality, and 'similar' with 'analogous' indicating a likeness that allows comparison.

as close as reasonably achievable

Uses 'close' to emphasize proximity and 'reasonably achievable' to focus on realistic attainment of similarity.

as identical as is practical

Replaces 'similar' with 'identical', emphasizing sameness. 'Possible' is exchanged with 'practical', highlighting feasibility.

to the greatest extent alike

Inverts the structure to place emphasis on 'alike', altering the tone slightly.

to the maximum degree comparable

Shifts focus to the degree of comparability, using 'maximum' for emphasis.

as nearly the same as can be

Expresses similarity using 'nearly the same', softening the emphasis on exactness.

approximating equivalence as much as one can

This alternative highlights the attempt to reach equivalence within constraints.

resembling one another to the highest degree

Focuses on the act of resembling, stressing the high level of likeness.

with maximal correspondence

Uses 'maximal correspondence' to emphasize the alignment or matching of features.

keeping things consistent wherever viable

The phrase uses the concept of consistency, achievable where 'viable'.

FAQs

How can I use "as similar as possible" in a sentence?

This phrase emphasizes maximizing likeness within given constraints. For example: "The control group was selected to be "as similar as possible" to the experimental group to reduce confounding variables."

What's the difference between "as similar as possible" and "identical"?

"Identical" means exactly the same, while "as similar as possible" acknowledges there may be slight differences but efforts were made to minimize them.

What are some alternatives to "as similar as possible"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as close as reasonably achievable", "as analogous as feasible", or "as nearly the same as can be".

Is it better to aim for "as similar as possible" or perfect similarity in research?

While perfect similarity is ideal, it's often unattainable. Aiming for "as similar as possible" is a practical approach, acknowledging constraints while striving for maximal comparability.