be nearly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be nearly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more items that have very similar characteristics or qualities. Example: "The two models of the car are designed to be nearly the same in terms of performance and features."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

We argue that the forces of repulsion may be nearly the same for the cation and atom.

Electrochimica Acta

In particular, the results obtained from using model I were found to be nearly the same as those of the exact solutions.

Chemical Engineering Science

"There probably wouldn't be nearly the same number of questions confronting the business if it weren't for the bank debt," said one investor in distressed securities.

The New York Times

Therefore, interest rates paid on these two forms of assets have to be nearly the same; in the present environment, both rates are close to zero.

The Economist

Eventually, technology at home and at the sports sites might be nearly the same, so fans in both places have similar access to views and information.

The New York Times - Sports

An optimum diameter ratio of the coaxial pipes for minimum pressure drop in both limits of the fully turbulent and laminar fully-developed flow regime was determined and observed to be nearly the same irrespective of the flow regime.

Renewable Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It's nearly the same.

Independent

Now they are nearly the same.

The New York Times - Sports

They're nearly the same age.

The Guardian

It's nearly the same: 81percentt.

The New York Times

The MS/PhD and PhD programs are nearly the same.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be nearly the same" when you want to emphasize a close similarity without claiming perfect equivalence. This phrase acknowledges subtle differences while highlighting the overall likeness.

Common error

Avoid using "be nearly the same" when there are significant or consequential differences between the items being compared. Overstating their similarity can mislead your audience. Be sure that the small differences you are acknowledging do not negate the overall comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be nearly the same" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It indicates a high degree of similarity between two or more entities, without claiming absolute identity. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be nearly the same" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a high degree of similarity while acknowledging subtle differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct English. Its neutral register and common usage across diverse domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias, make it a valuable tool for clear and nuanced communication. While alternatives such as "be almost identical" or "be virtually identical" may offer slightly different shades of meaning, "be nearly the same" provides a balanced and widely accepted way to express close resemblance. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that any acknowledged differences do not undermine the overall comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be almost identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, bordering on exactness; more emphatic than "be nearly the same".

be virtually identical

Emphasizes that the differences are so small as to be negligible; slightly stronger than "be nearly the same".

be practically the same

Focuses on the practical consequences of the similarity; implies that the differences don't matter in practice.

be almost equivalent

Highlights functional equivalence rather than superficial similarity; applicable when comparing processes or systems.

be closely related

Suggests a strong connection or relationship, which might not be based purely on identity but on association.

be much alike

A more informal and general way of expressing similarity; less precise than "be nearly the same".

bear a close resemblance

Emphasizes a visual or superficial similarity; often used in descriptions of appearance or design.

be comparable

Indicates that two or more things can be compared, often because they share enough qualities.

be similar in nature

Highlights that the core characteristics or fundamental aspects are alike, rather than specific details.

share many characteristics

Focuses on multiple shared attributes instead of an overall sense of equivalence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "be nearly the same"?

Use "be nearly the same" when two or more things share the majority of their attributes or characteristics, with only minor differences. It indicates a high degree of similarity without implying absolute identity.

What are some alternatives to "be nearly the same"?

Alternatives include "be almost identical", "be virtually identical", or "be practically the same" depending on the degree of similarity you wish to convey.

Is "be nearly the same" formal or informal?

"Be nearly the same" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for various writing styles.

How does "be nearly the same" differ from "be exactly the same"?

"Be nearly the same" acknowledges that some differences exist, while "be exactly the same" implies complete identity. The former is used when precision isn't required or when slight variations are present.