in the same box

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the same box" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to either a physical or metaphorical container that contains multiple items. For example, "The two pairs of gloves were in the same box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're all in the same box.

The Guardian

Others in the same box look all right.

The New York Times

Many conservatives have found themselves in the same box.

The New Yorker

But it doesn't put all institutions in the same box".

The New York Times

Mixing different pills in the same box would increase the risk of making mistakes.

Cornell University

The contents of the album have been house separately in the same box.

Cornell University

Otherwise we're in the same box as banana republics, countries where the pervasive state is tolerated".

The New York Times

That, for me, would be in the same box as religious beliefs.

The Guardian

He always sits in the same box near first base, they say, and frequently with his chauffeur.

The New Yorker

"Republicans have been trying to put us in the same box for 40 years now," Mr. Reed said.

The New York Times

"It's quite simple to understand but not simple to do – to put twice as much energy in the same box".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the same box" to emphasize that items or concepts are being considered together as a unit, whether literally or figuratively. Ensure the context makes it clear if you're referring to a physical container or a conceptual category.

Common error

Avoid using "in the same box" when items are merely related but not truly part of the same category or group. Ensure a clear and logical connection exists; otherwise, use a more nuanced term like "related to" or "associated with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the same box" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the location or state of being together, either literally (physical objects) or figuratively (concepts, people). Ludwig's examples illustrate both uses, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the same box" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the grouping or categorization of items, ideas, or people, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources with a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure its metaphorical use is logically sound. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability, reinforcing its status as a common and accepted phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grouped together

A general term for combining items.

in the same grouping

Similar to "in the same box", but less visually concrete.

within the same category

Focuses on classification rather than physical containment.

in the same class

Refers specifically to categorization by type or quality.

under the same umbrella

Implies a common overarching theme or protection.

in the same boat

Implies sharing a similar difficult situation.

lumped together

Suggests a less refined or precise grouping.

in the same league

Implies similar level of ability or status.

cut from the same cloth

Suggests shared characteristics or origins.

tarred with the same brush

Implies negative association based on a shared trait.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the same box" to describe physical objects placed together or to categorize abstract ideas. For instance, "The tools were all "in the same box"" or "Politicians are often "lumped together" even when their views differ".

What phrases are similar to "in the same box"?

Similar phrases include "in the same category", "under the same umbrella", and "grouped together". The choice depends on whether you're referring to physical containment or abstract categorization.

Is it correct to use "in the same box" metaphorically?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "in the same box" metaphorically to describe concepts, ideas, or people being grouped together, as in "They are often "tarred with the same brush", even though they are different".

What's the difference between "in the same box" and "in the same boat"?

"In the same box" implies being grouped or categorized together, while "in the same boat" suggests sharing a similar difficult situation. They are not interchangeable.