is identical to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is identical to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that two or more things are exactly the same in every way. For example, "The shape of the heart on the cake is identical to the shape of the one from last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For instance, the principle of identity, Everything is identical to itself entails There exists something that is identical to itself.

SEP

"The Marseglia case is identical to Ribatti's".

The New Yorker

Its scoring is identical to the slalom.

The New York Times - Sports

Key disposition is identical to No. 3310.

Yale University

It is identical to a function specification.

Cornell University

This panel is identical to Fig. 1a.

Nature

Columbus's lot is identical to Detroit's.

The New York Times

This figure is identical to the annual increase in June.

The Guardian - Business

It is identical to the people in power".

The New York Times

A virtual board is identical to the horizontal model.

The New Yorker

Key disposition is identical to that of No. 3310.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is identical to" when you want to stress the complete and exact similarity between two or more things, leaving no room for differences.

Common error

While "is identical to" is precise, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "is the same as" or "is equivalent to" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is identical to" functions as a relational expression, asserting a state of complete equivalence between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase emphasizes that two or more things are exactly the same. For example, "The fish produced is identical to traditional fish."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is identical to" is a versatile expression used to denote complete equivalence between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its high frequency across diverse domains such as science, news, and academia underscores its broad applicability. When writing, remember to use "is identical to" to highlight exact sameness, but avoid overuse by incorporating related phrases. This will enhance clarity and prevent repetition. While precise, consider varying your language to maintain reader engagement. Using these guidelines will ensure your writing is both accurate and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the same as

Indicates complete equivalence, like the original phrase, but uses more common wording.

is exactly the same as

Emphasizes the precise nature of the similarity, adding intensity to the meaning.

is equivalent to

Highlights functional or effective equality, suggesting that things perform the same role.

is equal to

Focuses on quantitative or measurable sameness, implying a direct correspondence in amount or degree.

matches exactly

Stresses the complete alignment or correspondence between two things, often in terms of features or criteria.

is indistinguishable from

Suggests that the differences are so minor that they cannot be easily noticed.

is virtually the same as

Acknowledges minor differences but emphasizes the overall similarity, useful when there's negligible variation.

mirrors

Implies a reflective similarity, suggesting a direct correspondence in structure or appearance.

corresponds perfectly to

Highlights a precise alignment or agreement, often used in technical or formal contexts.

is tantamount to

Indicates that something is virtually equivalent in its effect or value, often used in legal or ethical discussions.

FAQs

How to use "is identical to" in a sentence?

Use "is identical to" to indicate that two or more entities are exactly the same. For example, "The genetic sequence of the two viruses is identical to each other".

What can I say instead of "is identical to"?

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

Is it redundant to say "completely identical to"?

While "identical" already implies a complete match, using "completely identical to" can add emphasis. However, it's often unnecessary and can be considered redundant in formal writing.

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

"Is similar to" indicates a resemblance or likeness, while "is identical to" means that two things are exactly the same with no differences whatsoever. Use "is similar to" when there are some common traits, and "is identical to" when there is a perfect match.