effectively the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effectively the same" is correct and can be used in formal or informal written English.
For example, you could say: "Although the details are slightly different, the two plans are effectively the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jay Carson, a spokesman for the Dean campaign, said "the end effect is effectively the same" for Dr. Dean's Vermont papers as for President Bush's Texas records.

The New York Times

Although the price difference had remained effectively the same (14c), the effect that "free" had on the subjects' behaviour was remarkable.

The Guardian - Opinion

In each of two experiments, the effects of environmental noise were shown to be effectively the same as those of disfluency.

Plosone

In simulations, these results were effectively the same as those for the fixed-effects Poisson regression.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"It was effectively the same show as the Ziggy Stardust tour.

The Guardian - Music

Being a freelancer is effectively the same as running your own business.

The Guardian

And this is effectively the same theory that Republicans in Washington have adopted since last November.

The New York Times

It also may not be able to use effectively the same defense mechanisms the adult possesses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Ryman writes, "Her life began yesterday, which was effectively the same as today".

The New York Times - Books

Oil trades in a world market, and every player buys and sells at effectively the same price.

The New Yorker

In most sections of the law, the language makes it perfectly clear that the exchanges are effectively the same.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "effectively the same" to convey that two things are equivalent in outcome or impact, even if they differ in detail. Ensure the context clarifies the specific aspect of equivalence you're highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "effectively the same" when there are significant differences that impact the overall meaning or functionality. Be precise about the degree of similarity to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effectively the same" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, indicating that two or more things are equivalent in practice or outcome, although not necessarily identical in every detail. Ludwig's AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "effectively the same" is a versatile expression used to indicate a practical equivalence between two or more things, even if minor differences exist. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, it presents a neutral register suitable for conveying that items are alike in result or function. While synonyms like "virtually identical" and "practically equivalent" exist, "effectively the same" offers a balance of precision and accessibility in communicating functional similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually identical

Emphasizes near-perfect similarity, focusing on the lack of meaningful difference.

practically equivalent

Highlights functional equivalence, suggesting any differences are negligible in practice.

almost indistinguishable

Focuses on the difficulty of discerning any differences between the items being compared.

tantamount to

Indicates that the two things being compared have the same effect or value.

for all intents and purposes the same

A more verbose way of saying "effectively the same", adding a layer of formality.

functionally equivalent

Highlights that the items perform the same function, regardless of other differences.

much the same

A simpler way of saying they are largely similar but avoids stronger claims of equivalence.

analogous to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, even if not perfectly identical.

comparable to

Indicates that the two items are similar enough to be compared.

akin to

Implies a resemblance or similarity in quality or character.

FAQs

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

Use "effectively the same" to indicate that two things are alike in result or function. For example, "Although different in approach, the two strategies are "effectively the same" in achieving the desired outcome."

What can I say instead of "effectively the same"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually identical", "practically equivalent", or "almost indistinguishable" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "effectively the same" or "essentially the same"?

"Essentially the same" and ""effectively the same"" have a similar level of formality. The best choice depends on the context and the specific shade of meaning you want to communicate.

What's the difference between "effectively the same" and "exactly the same"?

"Exactly the same" means identical in every aspect, while ""effectively the same"" indicates equivalence in outcome or function, even if there are minor differences.