basically the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basically the same" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to explain that two things are very similar, or that one thing has not changed significantly since the last time you saw it. For example, "The restaurant's menu is basically the same as last time I was here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're basically the same movie.

The New Yorker

It's basically the same.

Yale University

Today, the strategy is basically the same.

The New York Times - Books

"It was basically the same as breathing.

The New York Times - Sports

The players are basically the same too.

Independent

The examination system remained basically the same.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the story is basically the same.

The New York Times

"It's basically the same town.

The New York Times

Because they're basically the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's basically the same thing.

The Guardian - Film

It is basically the same concept.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items or processes, follow "basically the same" with a brief explanation of any minor differences to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "basically the same" when significant differences exist. Overstating the likeness can mislead your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basically the same" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of similarity. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it appears in sentences where direct equivalence isn't necessarily implied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "basically the same" is a common and acceptable way to express that two or more things are largely, but not perfectly, alike. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "essentially identical" or "virtually indistinguishable" can be used for emphasis, "basically the same" offers a balanced approach, acknowledging minor differences while highlighting overall similarity. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the claim of similarity, and avoid overstating the equivalence when significant differences exist. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically the same

Similar to "basically the same" but may suggest an even higher degree of similarity.

essentially identical

Emphasizes a fundamental likeness, downplaying minor differences.

virtually indistinguishable

Highlights that the differences are so slight as to be unnoticeable.

more or less identical

Implies a very high degree of similarity with a slight allowance for minor variations.

largely equivalent

Acknowledges some minor differences but stresses the overall similarity in function or value.

in effect, the same

Focuses on the outcome or result being identical, even if the process differs.

tantamount to

A more formal way of saying "equal to" or "equivalent to".

comparable

Indicates that the items are similar enough to be compared, though not necessarily identical.

roughly equivalent

Suggests an approximate similarity, allowing for more significant variations.

akin to

Indicates a resemblance or similarity in quality or character.

FAQs

What does "basically the same" mean?

It means that two or more things are very similar, nearly identical, or equivalent in most important respects, though they might have some small differences.

How can I use "basically the same" in a sentence?

You might say, "The two models of the car are "basically the same", except for the color" or "The instructions were "basically the same" as last time".

Which is correct: "basically the same" or "basically similar"?

"Basically the same" is more common and idiomatic. While "basically similar" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used. You can use alternatives like "essentially identical".

What are some alternatives to "basically the same"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "virtually indistinguishable", "largely equivalent", or "practically the same".