identical with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "identical with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that two or more things are the same or exactly alike. For example, "Their fingerprints were identical with each other's."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are practically identical with British regulations".

The Guardian

and are identical with those given by the Bohr theory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All of these are practically identical with the received text.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Nowadays, especially in film, the adultery narrative is effectively identical with crime fiction — crime, confession, consequence).

The New Yorker

The capital city of modernism was not even topographically identical with the Paris of today.

The Guardian

Milton and Montaigne became identical with the books they had composed.

The New York Times - Style

Will Mr. Crichton or Stephen King become identical with a screen?

The New York Times - Style

Why? "It's necessary to invent a politics that is not identical with power.

The Guardian

In twenty-five of these, the pottery was identical with the jars from the original cave.

The New Yorker

On the contrary, "divine providence is identical with the course of nature".

The Guardian - Opinion

At the other table the auction was identical, with Diego Brenner becoming the declarer for Brazil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Substitute "identical with" with more succinct options, such as "the same as" or "equal to", for conciseness when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "identical with" to describe items that are only nearly the same. Reserve this phrase for situations where there is an exact match, as using it loosely can reduce the impact of its intended meaning. For example, don't say 'The shades of blue were identical with each other' if they only appear very similar. Instead, use "nearly identical" or "very similar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "identical with" functions as a linking expression, indicating that two or more entities share the exact same characteristics or qualities. Ludwig AI highlights its role in equating subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "identical with" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote exact equivalence between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While alternatives such as "the same as" or "equal to" may offer more concise phrasing, "identical with" serves to emphasize the complete lack of difference. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, it conveys precision and accuracy. When writing, ensure you're describing a precise match rather than a near similarity. Overall, "identical with" is a reliable and effective phrase for expressing exact equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same as

Indicates exact equivalence; a more concise alternative.

equal to

Expresses equality in value, amount, or meaning. It's more direct and commonly used in mathematical or quantitative contexts.

equivalent to

Denotes functional or practical equality, often used when the forms are different but the effect is the same.

indistinguishable from

Highlights the inability to perceive differences; useful when emphasizing a lack of discernible variation.

virtually the same as

Implies a very high degree of similarity with minor differences.

exactly alike

Emphasizes the precise match in appearance or characteristics.

completely uniform with

Suggests a full compliance in pattern or style.

entirely consistent with

Focuses on the absence of contradictions or discrepancies.

a dead ringer for

An idiomatic expression implying a striking resemblance, typically in appearance.

a carbon copy of

Implies an exact duplication, often used metaphorically to describe something that closely imitates another.

FAQs

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

You can use "identical with" to show that two or more things are exactly the same. For example, "The DNA samples were "identical with" each other".

What's the difference between "identical with" and "similar to"?

"Identical with" implies an exact match, while "similar to" suggests a resemblance but not complete equivalence. Use "identical with" when there is no discernible difference, and "similar to" when there are some differences but also notable resemblances.

What can I say instead of "identical with"?

You can use alternatives like "the same as", "equal to", or "equivalent to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "identical to" instead of "identical with"?

While "identical with" is correct, "identical to" is more commonly used and generally preferred in modern English. Both convey the same meaning of exact equivalence. Consider using "identical to" for greater clarity and acceptance.