is indiscernible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is indiscernible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be perceived or distinguished from something else. Example: "The difference between the two samples is indiscernible to the naked eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Just as the current crop of MacBook Pros are almost indiscernibly different from the previous crop, this iPhone is indiscernible from its older brother.

TechCrunch

Any grumbling about mutual greed is indiscernible.

The New York Times

The difference between sailing and practicing sailing is indiscernible.

The New York Times

"With multiple transactions like this, the effect of differences in currency is indiscernible," Mr. Frail said.

The New York Times

Construction has been going on since 1999, so it seems sometimes that the change is indiscernible.

The New York Times

But they hope the facsimile, which is indiscernible from the original, will give visitors a better understanding of the tomb.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

In China, praise is so subtle as to be indiscernible.

Harvard Business Review

Many things about this Yankees team are indiscernible from last year's incarnation.

The New York Times - Sports

The Irish spoke English and were indiscernible from the native population in a generation.

University of California, Berkeley

The on-off cycling in an SCR dimmer occurs so quickly that the individual on-off cycles are indiscernible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her nerves, which were indiscernible at the start, surfaced in the 20th game, serving at 5-4, when she squandered four set points.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is indiscernible" when you want to emphasize the inability to perceive any difference between two or more things, whether through senses or instruments.

Common error

Avoid using "is indiscernible" when a simpler term like "similar" or "same" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when highlighting a subtle or surprising lack of distinction, not for obvious similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is indiscernible" primarily functions as a predicate adjective. It describes a noun or pronoun by asserting that it cannot be perceived or distinguished. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English, as showcased by the numerous examples of usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

54%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is indiscernible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize a lack of perceptible difference between two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression is appropriate for describing something that cannot be perceived or distinguished. It is most commonly found in news articles and scientific publications, lending itself to a neutral to formal tone. While there are numerous alternatives like "is indistinguishable" or "is imperceptible", "is indiscernible" offers a precise way to communicate that something is virtually impossible to tell apart, provided it is used judiciously and avoids overuse in simple comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indistinguishable

This alternative suggests that the items are so similar that they cannot be told apart.

is not discernible

This is a more formal way of saying something cannot be distinguished.

is imperceptible

This alternative implies that something is so subtle that it cannot be easily noticed or detected.

is unnoticeable

This suggests something is not likely to be noticed.

is undetectable

This implies that something cannot be detected by any means, including instruments.

is virtually the same

This suggests that the differences are so small as to be insignificant.

is unapparent

This suggests that something is not immediately obvious or evident.

is substantially identical

This implies a very high degree of similarity, to the point of being practically the same.

is invisible

This implies something cannot be seen.

is beyond perception

This suggests that something is impossible to perceive or understand.

FAQs

How can I use "is indiscernible" in a sentence?

You can use "is indiscernible" to describe something that cannot be perceived or distinguished. For example, "The difference between the original and the replica "is indiscernible" to the naked eye."

What can I say instead of "is indiscernible"?

You can use alternatives like "is indistinguishable", "is imperceptible", or "is unnoticeable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is indiscernible" or "are indiscernible"?

Use "is indiscernible" with singular nouns and "are indiscernible" with plural nouns. For example, "The change is indiscernible" versus "The changes are indiscernible."

What is the difference between "is indiscernible" and "is invisible"?

"Is indiscernible" means something cannot be distinguished or perceived, while "is invisible" specifically means something cannot be seen. Something can be indiscernible through touch, sound, or other senses, not just sight.