essentially like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essentially like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is fundamentally similar to what has been previously mentioned or described. Example: "The process is essentially like that of traditional methods, but with some modern enhancements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Shakespeare's social background is essentially like that of his best contemporaries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One hypothesis is that the original vowel system was essentially like that of Finnish, which has eight vowel sounds: i, ü, u, e, ö, o, ä, a (ü spelled y in the standard orthography and ö are front rounded vowels, as in German; ä is a low front vowel, as a in cat).

Encyclopedia Britannica

His role as the winemaker is essentially like that of the director of a film except he says the end product is even more personal.

Forbes

This multiplicity of changes is essentially like that of the evolution of de novo genes, and expands the point from the de novo genes section, because now the multiplicity of changes is thought to happen in each of many genes that are part of a network.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This bucket is made up of investments in mutual funds, stocks, regular savings accounts and the like — essentially savings that aren't in IRAs or employer-sponsored savings plans.

Forbes

"'I'd rather go out and drive my gas guzzler or keep my house to 72 degrees.' Little decisions like that are essentially moral decisions in sustainability". 5). Now is the time to support climate research.

Columbia University

"It was his view that to have an essentially immovable structure like that, almost in the travel portion of the road, is a safety hazard," he said.

The New York Times

Thoughts such as these led Grant Gilmore to call promissory estoppel "anti-contract" (Gilmore 1974: 61) and worry that it opened up a class of reliance-based, essentially tort-like obligation that would one-day swallow contract whole.

SEP

That Darling Buds of Myy boxset does look tempting though... forayw Josh on Twintor.

Vice

You know, I was expecting this Fall, or if not this Fall, next Winter, to really see a rash of essentially things that look like PCs running Android.

TechCrunch

There is so much that is unknown about constructing something like that essentially in the middle of the ocean.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "essentially like that", ensure the comparison is accurate and relevant. Avoid oversimplification that could mislead your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "essentially like that" if the comparison is too simplistic and glosses over significant differences. This can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate representations of the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essentially like that" functions as a comparative connector, linking two elements by asserting their fundamental similarity. Ludwig AI validates its use in contemporary English, supported by examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "essentially like that" serves to draw comparisons and simplify complex concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While "essentially like that" is found to be a less frequent expression, related phrases like "basically the same as that" or "virtually identical to that" provide semantically similar alternatives. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is accurate and not an oversimplification. The neutral register of this phrase allows for flexible use across various writing styles. In summary, "essentially like that" effectively highlights fundamental similarities but requires careful application to maintain clarity and avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much like that

Simple way to express a high degree of similarity.

basically the same as that

Highlights fundamental sameness, simplifying details.

in effect, that's the same

Points out the practical equivalence, despite potential differences in form.

virtually identical to that

Emphasizes near-perfect similarity, suggesting only minor differences.

for all intents and purposes, that's the same

Emphasizes that in practical terms, there is no significant difference.

functionally equivalent to that

Focuses on the sameness of purpose or operation.

largely analogous to that

Suggests a strong parallel or resemblance in key aspects.

akin to that

Highlights a related nature or quality, indicating resemblance.

comparable to that

Indicates a degree of similarity sufficient for comparison.

tantamount to that

Indicates that something is virtually equal or equivalent in effect.

FAQs

How can I use "essentially like that" in a sentence?

Use "essentially like that" to draw a comparison, indicating a strong similarity. For example: "The new software is "essentially like that", but with added features."

What phrases are similar to "essentially like that"?

Alternatives include "basically the same as that", "much like that", or "virtually identical to that". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "essentially like that"?

While generally correct, ensure the comparison made using "essentially like that" is accurate and not an oversimplification. In cases of significant nuance, a more precise phrase may be better.

What's the difference between "essentially like that" and "exactly like that"?

"Essentially like that" implies a strong similarity with some potential differences, while "exactly like that" suggests complete and total sameness. If you want to show minor deviations, prefer "essentially like that".