hardly identical

USAGE SUMMARY

"hardly identical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that two things are very different. For example: "Although they were born as twins, their personalities were hardly identical - one was bold and outgoing, while the other was shy and reserved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But they were hardly identical.

The New York Times

Though Dempster's situation is hardly identical to Dickey's, there are some notable similarities.

The New York Times

Several players dismissed the connection, however, and the circumstances are hardly identical.

The New York Times - Sports

New York and its suburbs are hardly identical places, but in significant ways their inhabitants are converging.

The New York Times

While the Sonata and the Optima are corporate cousins, the companies stress that they are hardly identical.

The New York Times

The cloned kitten in Texas, whose cutesy name is cc, for copycat or carbon copy, bears some resemblance to its biological mother but is hardly identical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But they are hardly all identical.

The New York Times

All three senses of the term Vulgar Latin in fact share common features but, given their different theoretical status, can hardly be called identical or even comparable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

JUST how identical are identical twins?

The Economist

Just ask identical twins!

The New York Times

Therefore, it is hardly possible to select identical person repeatedly in the consecutive surveys.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hardly identical" to emphasize that while things might appear similar on the surface, key differences exist.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly identical" when the differences are minor and insignificant. Opt for milder expressions like "slightly different" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly identical" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify a noun, emphasizing that two things are significantly different. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights dissimilarity despite possible superficial similarities. Examples show its use in various contexts to draw distinctions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly identical" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to emphasize significant differences between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its communicative function of underscoring dissimilarity. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to clarify distinctions and prevent assumptions of sameness. While suitable for formal writing, it avoids overly technical or informal language, making it versatile for various communication needs. When using this phrase, ensure the differences are indeed notable, distinguishing it from milder expressions like "slightly different".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all alike

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity.

markedly different

Highlights a significant degree of difference.

distinctly dissimilar

Stresses the clear and obvious differences.

quite disparate

Indicates a fundamental lack of commonality.

barely similar

Suggests only the slightest resemblance.

remotely comparable

Implies a distant and tenuous connection.

scarcely analogous

Highlights the lack of a valid comparison.

not interchangeable

Focuses on the inability to use one in place of the other.

bear little resemblance

Shows a small or superficial similarity.

differ substantially

Conveys a large and important divergence.

FAQs

How can I use "hardly identical" in a sentence?

Use "hardly identical" to express that two things are significantly different despite potential superficial similarities. For instance, "Although both proposals aimed to reduce costs, their approaches were "hardly identical"".

What are some alternatives to "hardly identical"?

Alternatives include "not at all alike", "markedly different", or "distinctly dissimilar". The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "hardly identical" in formal writing?

Yes, "hardly identical" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate substantial differences without being overly informal.

What's the difference between "hardly identical" and "slightly different"?

"Hardly identical" implies significant, notable differences, whereas "slightly different" suggests only minor variations. Use "hardly identical" when the distinctions are more pronounced.