fundamentally the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fundamentally the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things share the same basic principles or characteristics, despite any superficial differences. Example: "While the two theories may appear different at first glance, they are fundamentally the same in their core assumptions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tiger's swing is fundamentally the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Were they, he wondered, fundamentally the same?

The New Yorker

But underneath, it's fundamentally the same product.

MIT Technology Review

The processes used are all fundamentally the same.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet the jobs they were doing were fundamentally the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

I view Islam, Christianity and Judaism as fundamentally the same.

The Guardian

Racists discriminate against people who are fundamentally the same.

The Guardian

The drugs work in fundamentally the same way.

The Washington Post

Moreover, the mechanisms used to arrive at metaphoric and literal interpretations are fundamentally the same.

University of California, Berkeley

No matter where on the globe you lived, giving birth was fundamentally the same.

The New Yorker

Yet each time, according to the authors, the results are fundamentally the same.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fundamentally the same", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific aspects are being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The principles of democracy, while practiced differently, are fundamentally the same."

Common error

Avoid using "fundamentally the same" when there are significant, impactful differences. This can mislead the audience and undermine the credibility of your analysis. Ensure that the core elements genuinely align before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fundamentally the same" serves as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that two or more things share the same core or underlying characteristics. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights the likeness in essence despite superficial differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fundamentally the same" is a versatile phrase used to highlight underlying similarities between seemingly distinct entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "essentially identical" or "basically equivalent" exist, "fundamentally the same" offers a balanced tone suitable for diverse applications. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the compared elements genuinely share core characteristics to avoid misrepresentation. The analysis reveals its widespread usage, supported by authoritative sources, making it a reliable and effective expression in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially identical

Focuses on the near-perfect similarity in essential aspects.

basically equivalent

Highlights the functional equivalence despite potential superficial differences.

at their core, identical

Emphasizes that the fundamental or central aspects are identical.

inherently alike

Stresses that the similarity is a natural or intrinsic quality.

largely indistinguishable

Indicates that the differences are so minor as to be practically unnoticeable.

virtually interchangeable

Highlights the capability of being used in place of each other without significant impact.

for all intents and purposes, the same

Focuses on the practical equivalence, regardless of minor discrepancies.

in essence, alike

Highlights that at their essence or underlying nature, they share likeness.

tantamount to each other

Expresses that something is virtually equal to something else.

akin in nature

Emphasizes that the two things are similar in their basic characteristics or qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "fundamentally the same" to emphasize that different things share core similarities, even if they appear different on the surface. For example, "Although teaching styles varied, the underlying principles were "fundamentally the same"."

What are some alternatives to "fundamentally the same"?

Alternatives include "essentially identical", "basically equivalent", or "at their core identical" depending on the context.

Is it always accurate to describe two things as "fundamentally the same"?

No, it's important to ensure that the core aspects being compared are genuinely similar. Overstating the similarities can be misleading if there are significant differences.

What's the difference between "fundamentally the same" and "virtually the same"?

"Fundamentally the same" highlights similarity in basic principles, while "virtually the same" suggests that they are practically indistinguishable in almost all respects.