did the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when speaking of someone doing the same thing as another person or thing. For example, "Sally and her brother both dropped their phones, and each one did the same thing: quickly ordered a new one online."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I did the same thing.

The New York Times - Arts

Andy Warhol did the same thing.

The New York Times

Pinter did the same thing.

Independent

"We both did the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Emerson did the same thing," he said.

The New Yorker

"We all did the same thing.

The New York Times

And Clinton did the same thing".

The New York Times

This reporter did the same thing.

The New York Times

The Cowboys did the same thing earlier.

The New York Times

(The performers later did the same thing).

The New York Times

We did the same thing then, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did the same thing" to clearly indicate that one person or entity mirrored the actions of another. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts to show parallel behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "did the same thing" when describing actions that are only superficially similar. Ensure the actions truly mirror each other, or opt for a more descriptive phrase that captures the nuances of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did the same thing" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a subject performed an action identical or very similar to that of another subject. This is evident from the many examples found by Ludwig AI, which demonstrate its use in comparing actions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "did the same thing" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that two or more entities performed similar or identical actions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable depending on the context. When using the phrase, ensure the actions being compared are genuinely similar to avoid ambiguity. Remember also to avoid overuse by considering alternative phrases such as "acted similarly" or "followed suit" to enhance clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behaved in the same manner

Focuses on the identical behavior exhibited.

followed suit

Emphasizes the act of following an example or precedent.

took the same course of action

Highlights choosing the same path or strategy.

acted similarly

Focuses on the similarity in actions performed.

copied the approach

Highlights the imitation of a specific method or technique.

replicated the behavior

Stresses the duplication of a specific behavior.

mirrored the action

Highlights a direct mirroring or replication of an action.

responded in kind

Indicates a reciprocal action or response.

emulated the process

Implies a deliberate attempt to copy or imitate a process.

proceeded identically

Emphasizes that the manner of proceeding was exactly alike.

FAQs

How can I use "did the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use "did the same thing" to indicate that two or more subjects performed an identical action. For example, "Both companies faced similar challenges and "acted similarly"".

What are some alternatives to saying "did the same thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "followed suit", "replicated the behavior", or "responded in kind". Each option carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "did the same thing" in formal writing?

Yes, "did the same thing" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise or sophisticated term like "took the same course of action" might be more suitable depending on the context.

What's the difference between "did the same thing" and "behaved in the same manner"?

"Did the same thing" implies a specific action was replicated, while "behaved in the same manner" suggests a similarity in overall conduct or demeanor. The former is more about mirroring a particular action, while the latter refers to a more general resemblance in behavior.