exactly the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"exactly the same thing" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is commonly used to describe two or more items, ideas, or situations that are identical. For example, "He wanted me to do the same job, but for less money – it was exactly the same thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're exactly the same thing.

The New Yorker

Exactly the same thing happens to me.

The New Yorker

My mom says exactly the same thing.

The New Yorker

This is exactly the same thing!

The New York Times

"I was thinking exactly the same thing.

The New Yorker

'It's exactly the same thing.

The Guardian - Sport

We're doing exactly the same thing here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Almost exactly the same thing, in fact.

The Guardian - Arts

And exactly the same thing happened.

The New York Times - Tech

Ivanka Trump did exactly the same thing.

The Washington Post

I've explained it's exactly the same thing.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exactly the same thing" when you want to emphasize that two or more things are completely identical in all relevant aspects.

Common error

While widely understood, "exactly the same thing" can sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "precisely identical" or "indistinguishable" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly the same thing" functions as a predicative expression, often following a linking verb (like "is" or "happens") to equate two or more items, situations, or ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes their identical nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly the same thing" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to assert the equivalence or identical nature of two or more items, ideas, or situations. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used in English writing. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and scientific writing. While versatile, it may be perceived as less formal in certain professional settings, where alternatives like "precisely identical" might be more appropriate. When aiming for clarity and emphasis, "exactly the same thing" remains a strong and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely the same

Emphasizes accuracy and exactness in similarity, focusing on minute details being identical.

identically similar

Highlights the identical nature of the similarity, suggesting a perfect match.

the spitting image

Implies a very strong resemblance, often used for physical appearance but can extend metaphorically.

carbon copy

Suggests a perfect reproduction or duplicate, emphasizing the lack of difference.

a dead ringer

Informal phrase for a very close resemblance, emphasizing the striking similarity.

cut from the same cloth

Indicates shared characteristics or origins, highlighting similarity in nature or background.

birds of a feather

Suggests similarity in personality or behavior, indicating a shared disposition.

two peas in a pod

Highlights a close and indistinguishable similarity, often used for people with shared traits.

much the same

Indicates a high degree of similarity without necessarily implying exactness.

virtually identical

Highlights that two things are so close in similarity that they can be considered the same in almost every way.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exactly the same thing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "precisely identical", "indistinguishable", or "completely equivalent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "exactly the same" and "exactly the same thing"?

While both convey strong similarity, "exactly the same thing" often refers to a situation, action, or concept, whereas "exactly the same" can apply more broadly to objects, qualities, or attributes.

Can I use "exactly the same thing" in academic writing?

Yes, "exactly the same thing" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when clarity is paramount. However, be mindful of your audience and consider more formal alternatives if appropriate. The phrase may be too informal, and replacing it can greatly benefit the quality of your writing.

What are some informal alternatives to "exactly the same thing"?

Informal alternatives include "same difference", "six of one, half a dozen of the other", or, depending on the context, even a simple "ditto".