basically exactly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically exactly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are fundamentally identical or indistinguishable in essence. Example: "Although the two products have different packaging, they are basically exactly the same in terms of ingredients and effectiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Quadrophenia is a striking and evocative reminder of a bygone age when Britain was … well, basically exactly the same as it is now.

The Guardian - Film

Admittedly the alien has only turned up to tap Keri Russell on the shoulder and say, "Excuse me, isn't this basically exactly the same as Paranormal Activity?", but let's forget that.

The Guardian - Film

And that means that you do whatever you can, whether it be the use of propaganda, whether it be used to organize groups outside the country, whether it be arming and training and equipping... And... the Congress...passed a -- the Iraqi Liberation Act, which calls for basically exactly the same thing.

The New York Times

It'll be basically exactly the same, we're pretty sure.

Huffington Post

AUI said the game was "a must" for those without the original, otherwise Cannon Fodder 2 is "basically exactly the same game as before", with the "saving grace" of new levels.

Wikipedia

The rich, wince-ful irony in anti-BCS squeakers calling upon Congress which can be described in basically exactly the same words used above to describe the BCS, but which will give it up for exponentially shittier junkets to fix things doesn't change that.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both classifications showed results that were very similar although not exactly the same, basically due to the difficulty experts experience in recognizing "intermediately-inefficient" DMU.

European Journal of Operational Research

Basically an EBT card works exactly the same as a credit card, and since receipts at most bodegas in Brooklyn aren't itemized and products in the store are never scanned (most likely because they are thieves), there is no way to tell what you actually bought.

Vice

Basically an EBT card works exactly the same as a credit card, and since receipts at most bodegas in Brooklyn aren't itemized and products in the store are never scanned (most likely because they are thieves), so there is no way to tell what you actually bought.

Vice

"Basically," he told me, "I keep doing exactly the same work".

The New Yorker

Livingstone: Basically to think of antisemitism and racism as exactly the same thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically exactly the same" to emphasize a strong degree of similarity or equivalence between two or more things, especially when minor differences might exist but are not significant.

Common error

While "basically exactly the same" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "essentially the same" or "virtually identical" to add nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically exactly the same" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing it as nearly identical to something else. It emphasizes a strong degree of similarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basically exactly the same" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize a near-perfect similarity between two or more things, suitable for use in neutral contexts like news and media. While the phrase is relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates a high degree of equivalence. For variety, consider using alternatives such as "essentially the same" or "virtually identical". Be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially the same

Replaces "basically exactly" with "essentially", maintaining the core meaning of fundamental similarity.

virtually identical

Emphasizes the near-perfect similarity, suggesting only minor differences exist.

practically the same

Highlights that any differences are insignificant in practice.

almost identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, but leaves room for some minor variations.

largely the same

Suggests the major aspects are the same, but some smaller aspects might differ.

fundamentally the same

Focuses on the underlying similarity, even if surface details differ.

in essence, the same

Highlights that at their core, the things being compared are identical.

for all intents and purposes, the same

Emphasizes that for practical purposes, there is no difference.

tantamount to the same

Expresses that the effect or outcome is the same, even if the process is different.

equal to the same

Asserts that both have the same value.

FAQs

How to use "basically exactly the same" in a sentence?

You can use "basically exactly the same" to emphasize a strong similarity. For example, "Although the two products have different packaging, they are "basically exactly the same" in terms of ingredients and effectiveness."

What can I say instead of "basically exactly the same"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially the same", "virtually identical", or "practically the same" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "basically exactly the same" or "almost the same"?

"Basically exactly the same" emphasizes a higher degree of similarity than "almost the same". The former implies near identity, while the latter suggests noticeable differences.

What's the difference between "basically exactly the same" and "the same"?

"Basically exactly the same" suggests near identity with minor differences, whereas "the same" implies complete identity without any differences. The phrase includes an adverb ('basically') to mitigate its severity.