exactly alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly alike" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that appear to be identical. For example, "The twins looked exactly alike, even though they had different personalities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody exactly alike".

The New Yorker

"Everybody said we looked exactly alike.

The New York Times

The two halves were not exactly alike.

The New Yorker

No two Ito buildings look exactly alike.

The New York Times - Arts

"None of these projects are exactly alike," Mr. Zimbalist said.

The New York Times

By Clinton & Russell, they are almost exactly alike.

The New York Times

Her husband and her daughter were exactly alike.

The New Yorker

And in this matter he and Gore thought exactly alike.

The New Yorker

And it's true - no two are exactly alike".

The Guardian

The 20 socks are exactly alike except for their colour.

The Guardian

No two nominating conventions are ever exactly alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly alike" to emphasize complete similarity, leaving no room for differences. For instance, "The two reports were reviewed to ensure they were exactly alike, minimizing discrepancies."

Common error

While "exactly alike" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make writing seem repetitive. Use synonyms such as "completely identical" or "precisely the same" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly alike" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate that two or more things share complete similarity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in emphasizing identity or close resemblance. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly alike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to emphasize complete similarity between two or more things. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across diverse contexts, from describing physical attributes to abstract concepts, and the Ludwig AI confirms its adherence to standard grammar. While prevalent in news and media, it also finds use in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. For increased writing variety, consider using synonyms like "completely identical" or "precisely the same".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely identical

Emphasizes the completeness of the identity, suggesting no differences exist.

precisely the same

Highlights the accuracy and lack of variation between the items being compared.

perfectly identical

Stresses the perfection of the match, implying an ideal level of sameness.

indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell the difference between the items.

mirror images

Suggests a reflection-like similarity, where one is the mirrored version of the other.

carbon copies

Implies a direct and exact reproduction, like a duplicate.

identical twins

References a specific case of near-perfect similarity, common in genetics.

the spitting image

An informal expression indicating a very strong resemblance, often familial.

virtually identical

Acknowledges minor differences may exist but emphasizes overwhelming similarity.

duplicates

Indicates that one thing is an exact copy of another.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly alike" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly alike" to describe things that are identical. For example, "The blueprints for both buildings were "exactly alike", ensuring consistency in construction."

What is a good alternative to "exactly alike"?

Alternatives include "completely identical", "precisely the same", or "perfectly identical". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "exactly the same" instead of "exactly alike"?

While "exactly the same" and "exactly alike" are similar, "exactly alike" focuses more on the resemblance or similarity between items, while "exactly the same" emphasizes identity. Both are acceptable, but the choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to make.

Can "exactly alike" be used to describe abstract concepts or only physical objects?

"Exactly alike" can be used for both abstract concepts and physical objects. For instance, you could say, "Their political views were "exactly alike"" (abstract) or "The two statues were "exactly alike"" (physical).