be exactly alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be exactly alike" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are identical or very similar in every aspect. Example: "The twins may look different, but their personalities are actually quite similar; they tend to be exactly alike in their interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

These projects might not be exactly alike: students might apportion their time differently, or add another discipline to the mix.

The New York Times

Connecticut and Stanford will never be exactly alike, one a large state university, the other a small private institution with stringent entrance requirements.

The New York Times - Sports

"The balls have to be exactly alike, totally perfect, and for this work people are paid $50 or $60 a week.

The New York Times

Manipulating the scale of the print and making minute alterations to the colour hues ensure that it's virtually impossible for two designs to be exactly alike.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No two people are bound to be exactly alike on a team.

Forbes

These arguments are based on the idea, denied by the Stoa, that two objects might be exactly alike.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

No two clients are exactly alike.

The New York Times

But no two letters were exactly alike.

The New York Times

"None of these projects are exactly alike," Mr. Zimbalist said.

The New York Times

Her husband and her daughter were exactly alike.

The New Yorker

And it's true - no two are exactly alike".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be exactly alike" to emphasize a complete or near-complete similarity between two or more things. It is stronger than simply saying they are "similar".

Common error

Avoid using "exactly" redundantly. Saying something is "exactly alike" already implies precision; adding further qualifiers like "very exactly alike" is usually unnecessary and weakens the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exactly alike" functions as a comparative descriptor, emphasizing complete or near-complete identity between two or more entities. Ludwig's examples confirm its role in highlighting similarities while acknowledging potential subtle differences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be exactly alike" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a high degree of similarity or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with notable presence in scientific and encyclopedia sources. While alternatives like "be identical" or "be the same" exist, "be exactly alike" offers a specific nuance, emphasizing precision in likeness. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various formal and informal writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be identical

Focuses on absolute sameness, stronger emphasis on equivalence.

be virtually identical

Suggests near perfect likeness, with minimal differences.

be the same

A more general term for similarity, can imply near equivalence.

match perfectly

Emphasizes a flawless alignment or correspondence.

be equivalent

Stresses functional similarity or interchangeable nature.

be indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in discerning any differences.

correspond precisely

Indicates a detailed and exact agreement.

be carbon copies

Suggests a perfect replication or duplication.

be twins

Implies a very close resemblance, often used figuratively.

mirror each other

Highlights reciprocal likeness and reflection.

FAQs

What does it mean when things "be exactly alike"?

When two or more things "be exactly alike", it means they are completely or almost completely identical in every aspect.

What can I say instead of "be exactly alike"?

You can use alternatives like "be identical", "be the same", or "be indistinguishable" depending on the context.

How to use "be exactly alike" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to compare things: "No two snowflakes "are exactly alike"". Or, you can use it to point the similarity between things: "The twins "are exactly alike" in their interests".

Which is correct, "be exactly alike" or "are exactly the same"?

Both phrases are correct, although "be exactly alike" often emphasizes the specific qualities of likeness, while "are exactly the same" is a more general statement of equivalence.