basically similar

USAGE SUMMARY

"basically similar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that are largely the same but have some slight differences. For example, "The two characters in the play were basically similar, but one was more bookish than the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are their perspectives basically similar to yours?

University of California, Berkeley

The really amazing thing is they are basically similar".

The New York Times - Arts

The algorithm is basically similar as introduced in Karvonen 2014.

Advances in Space Research

Rather, they are basically similar among broad groups.

Britannica

-- said the automated valuation models can analyze a couple of hundred "comparables," as basically similar houses in basically similar neighborhoods are called, in 30 seconds or less.

The New York Times

I don't think it's so insulting to Canada to say that we're just basically similar.

Yale University

A basically similar argument applies to attempts to export savings, by investing abroad.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But bear in mind that the results are basically similar for discrete time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's assume that we're all kind of basically similar except for that.

Yale University

storage oscilloscopes, the cathode ray tube is basically similar to the electrostatically deflected type of tube.

Oscilloscopes How to use them, how they work

burnetii and the anti-BVDV indirect ELISA tests followed basically similar courses over time.

Research in Veterinary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basically similar" to acknowledge minor differences while emphasizing overall resemblance. For example, "While the two models differ in price, they are basically similar in performance."

Common error

Avoid using "basically similar" when the items being compared have significant differences. Overstating the degree of similarity can mislead readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically similar" functions as an adverb-adjective construction that modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a qualified degree of resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "basically similar" is a versatile and frequently used construction to express that two or more items share fundamental resemblances while acknowledging possible minor differences. Ludwig AI validates the correctness of this phrase, which commonly appears in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. When employing this phrase, aim for clarity by specifying which attributes are similar. While widely acceptable, consider more formal synonyms like "fundamentally similar" or "essentially the same" in formal settings. Remember that while similar, identical is not the same. It is important to always use this phrase accurately and in the correct context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially the same

Focuses on the core, unchanging nature of the similarity.

largely alike

Highlights that the items share more similarities than differences, but aren't completely identical.

broadly comparable

Suggests a general similarity suitable for comparisons, but with potential minor discrepancies.

fundamentally similar

Emphasizes a deep, underlying similarity despite any superficial differences.

mostly equivalent

Indicates a high degree of interchangeability, with perhaps some contextual constraints.

roughly analogous

Implies a similarity in function or relationship rather than exact identity.

akin to

Suggests a resemblance or kindred nature, often used in more formal contexts.

comparable to

Highlights that the items are similar enough to be compared.

much the same

Expresses a close similarity with perhaps slightly more emphasis.

of a piece

Presents the items as belonging to the same set or type, with inherent similarities.

FAQs

How can I use "basically similar" in a sentence?

You can use "basically similar" to describe two or more things that share fundamental characteristics, such as "The two algorithms are "basically similar", although they differ in implementation details."

What are some alternatives to "basically similar"?

Alternatives include "essentially the same", "largely alike", or "broadly comparable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "basically similar" in formal writing?

While "basically similar" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "fundamentally similar" or "essentially the same" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "basically similar" and "identical"?

"Basically similar" implies that there are some differences, while "identical" means there are no differences. Use "basically similar" when acknowledging minor variations.