indistinguishable from

USAGE SUMMARY

"indistinguishable from" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when two or more items or things are so similar that it is not possible to tell them apart. For example: "The twins looked so alike that they were almost indistinguishable from one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were indistinguishable from propaganda.

The New Yorker

Free quickly becomes indistinguishable from worthless.

Independent

The inside becomes indistinguishable from the outside.

The New Yorker

It is often indistinguishable from tap water.

The Economist

It is indistinguishable from craft.

The Guardian

Is one program indistinguishable from another?

Cornell University

One is virtually indistinguishable from the other.

Britannica

"Indeed, they are indistinguishable from them.

The New York Times

Their bones practically indistinguishable from tiger bones were removed.

The Economist

Elections often make judges indistinguishable from politicians, and judging indistinguishable from politics.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The flow of indistinguishable-from-parody articles has already begun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indistinguishable from", ensure that the comparison is logical and clear. Avoid comparing abstract concepts with concrete objects unless the connection is well-established.

Common error

Avoid using "indistinguishable from" in situations where the items being compared are clearly different, even if they share some superficial similarities. Overusing the phrase in hyperbole can weaken its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indistinguishable from" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun by describing its quality. It indicates that the modified noun shares such a high degree of similarity with another entity that differentiation becomes impossible. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "indistinguishable from" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to convey a lack of discernible difference between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, its application spans various contexts, from academic research to journalistic reporting, demonstrating its versatility and widespread acceptance. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is logical and that the items genuinely exhibit a high degree of similarity. Avoid overusing it in hyperbolic scenarios to preserve its impact and credibility. Remember, the correct preposition is "from", not "to". By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "indistinguishable from" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identical to

This alternative suggests a perfect match, implying no detectable difference.

the same as

This phrase indicates equivalence, highlighting that the items are not different in any significant way.

virtually identical to

Adding "virtually" softens the claim of sameness, acknowledging potential minor differences.

impossible to differentiate from

This alternative emphasizes the inability to tell the items apart, focusing on the observer's perspective.

for all intents and purposes, the same as

This phrase highlights that despite any theoretical differences, the items function identically in practical situations.

cannot be told apart from

This option focuses on the inability to distinguish between the items through observation or testing.

bears no difference from

This alternative stresses the absence of any significant distinctions between the items.

essentially equivalent to

This phrase suggests a fundamental similarity in nature or function, despite possible superficial differences.

matches perfectly with

This option stresses the precision of the similarity, suggesting an exact correspondence in key features.

corresponds exactly to

Similar to "matches perfectly with", this phrase emphasizes the exact alignment and lack of variation.

FAQs

How can I use "indistinguishable from" in a sentence?

Use "indistinguishable from" to describe something that is so similar to something else that it is impossible to tell the difference. For example, "The twins were so alike, they were "indistinguishable from" each other."

What's a formal alternative to "indistinguishable from"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "virtually identical to", "essentially equivalent to", or "bears no difference from" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to say "indistinguishable to" instead of "indistinguishable from"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "indistinguishable" is "from". Saying "indistinguishable to" is grammatically incorrect. Remember, the phrase is ""indistinguishable from"".

What does "indistinguishable from" imply about the items being compared?

It implies a very high degree of similarity, suggesting that any differences between the items are so subtle as to be undetectable. The items are essentially "the same as" far as one can tell.