effectively the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effectively the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two things are similar in practical terms, even if they may not be identical in every aspect. Example: "In terms of functionality, this new software is effectively the same as the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times - Books

A cash bonus is effectively the same as a salary if it's very likely to be paid and so should logically form part of the pay ratio.

The Guardian

We also participate in a curtailment program and receive payments to do so since curtailment is effectively the same as generation.

The New York Times

The £2.3bn, Peter Mandelson says, is "effectively the same as underwriting the entire vehicle sector's research and development and capital expenditure for a year".

The Guardian - Opinion

The standard could be interpreted as covering information that is not stamped classified but is effectively the same as information classified elsewhere in the government.

The New York Times

This is effectively the same as the mandate, because it is hard to believe that anyone in this nation has never bought or sold anything in his life.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But they did report some "self employment" income that effectively is the same as Medicare and Social Security.

The New York Times

In other words, being smart about spending – focusing first on the development targets where we can achieve the most – would effectively be the same as doubling or quadrupling the aid budget.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "effectively the same as" to simplify complex comparisons. It's helpful when you want to avoid getting bogged down in minor details and focus on the overall similarity.

Common error

Avoid using "effectively the same as" when significant differences exist. It's important to acknowledge any relevant distinctions to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effectively the same as" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by asserting a state of near-equivalence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it implies that while there might be technical differences, the outcome or function is nearly identical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "effectively the same as" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate practical equivalence between two or more things. As Ludwig AI highlights, while there might be technical or superficial differences, the outcome or function remains substantially similar. Its versatility is evident across various domains, including science, news, and general writing, where it serves to simplify comparisons and focus on overall similarity. While "effectively the same as" is generally accepted, it's important to avoid overstating equivalence when significant differences exist. Related phrases like "virtually identical to" and "practically equivalent to" can offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. In summary, "effectively the same as" is a valuable tool for clear and concise communication, but it should be used judiciously to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually identical to

Indicates a very close resemblance, almost to the point of being indistinguishable, suggesting minor differences at most.

practically equivalent to

Highlights the practical outcome of two things being alike, even if they might not be equal in every aspect.

tantamount to

Implies that the effect or value is the same, even if the form or expression differs.

functionally equivalent to

Focuses on the operational similarity, suggesting they perform the same role or task.

for all intents and purposes, the same as

Emphasizes that despite any technical differences, the result is the same.

as good as

Indicates that something is almost equal in quality or effect.

comparable to

Suggests a strong similarity, inviting comparison based on shared attributes.

akin to

Indicates a resemblance in quality or character; somewhat similar.

much the same as

Simple way to express that two things are very similar.

bears a close resemblance to

Highlights visual or superficial similarities between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "effectively the same as" to indicate that two things yield similar results or outcomes, despite potential differences in their nature. For instance, "For our purposes, this method is "effectively the same as" the other".

What's the difference between "effectively the same as" and "literally the same as"?

"Effectively the same as" implies a practical equivalence, whereas "literally the same as" means there are no differences. Use "effectively" when acknowledging minor distinctions that don't impact the overall outcome.

What are some alternatives to "effectively the same as"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually identical to", "practically equivalent to", or "tantamount to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "effectively the same as" in formal writing?

Yes, "effectively the same as" is suitable for formal writing, especially when explaining complex concepts or making comparisons where absolute identity is not required. It is considered standard English and understandable across different registers.