but same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but same" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing to indicate that despite differences, the outcome or sentiment remains unchanged. Example: "I didn't enjoy the movie, but same, I appreciate the effort that went into it."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

PAGE B10 NEW FACES, BUT SAME OLD CELTICS They play in the TD Banknorth Garden, not the Boston Garden.

The New York Times

Different language, but same handball".

The New York Times - Sports

"But same game".

The New York Times - Sports

"But same story, different country.

The New York Times - Food

New owners, new management, new offices, new editor, redundancies, new philosophy but same old readers.

The Guardian

Preservation: The coordinates are inaccurate, but same star escapes.

Computational Astrophysics and Cosmology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But same-sex marriage has been different.

The New Yorker

But same-sex sex is.

The New York Times

But same-sex spouses do not qualify.

The New York Times

But same-sex marriage has never won a ballot referendum.

The New York Times

But same-sex marriage never required a sitting American president to endorse its legitimacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In general, replace the expression "but same" with a more grammatically sound option such as "but equivalent" to improve clarity

Common error

Avoid using "but same" in academic papers or professional reports; it can undermine your credibility. Strive for precision and formality in these settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but same" functions as a conjunction, linking two ideas where a contrast is present, yet an underlying similarity or continuation exists. It's a colloquial way of acknowledging a difference while maintaining a sense of equivalence. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is non-standard.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but same" is an informal expression used to convey a sense of similarity or continuation despite an apparent contrast. While it appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, Ludwig AI identifies it as non-standard English. Therefore, its use should be limited to informal settings. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "but similar" or "nevertheless". Remember that while "but same" might be understood, choosing a more grammatically correct option enhances clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but the same

Uses the article "the" for a more standard grammatical structure, specifying which "same" is meant.

yet the same

Emphasizes continuity despite an implied contrast.

but similar

Emphasizes the resemblance despite a preceding contrast.

but equivalent

Expresses that something is of equal value or function, despite any differences.

however similar

Highlights similarity, introducing a contrast.

yet identical

Implies a surprising identity following an expected difference.

but likewise

Indicates similarity or continuation after an initial contrast.

nevertheless identical

Stresses identity, overriding an earlier contrast.

although equivalent

Acknowledges equivalence despite potential differences.

though alike

Shortened form expressing resemblance after contrast.

FAQs

What does "but same" mean?

"But same" is an informal expression used to indicate that despite a difference or contrast, the overall result or situation remains unchanged. It's often used colloquially to express a sense of continuity or equivalence despite some variation.

Is "but same" grammatically correct?

While understandable in informal contexts, "but same" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. More appropriate alternatives include "but similar", "nevertheless", or "however".

When should I avoid using "but same"?

Avoid using "but same" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. It is best suited for casual conversations or informal settings where strict grammatical rules are less critical.

What are some alternative phrases to "but same"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "but equivalent", "yet the same", "however similar", or "nevertheless" to convey a similar meaning with better grammatical correctness.