is indistinguishable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is indistinguishable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is indistinguishable from another thing, either due to their similarity or something being hidden or obscured. For example, "The difference between the two dishes is indistinguishable to the untrained palate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The composition is indistinguishable".

The Guardian - Arts

It is indistinguishable from craft.

The Guardian

In most other respects he is indistinguishable.

The New York Times - Arts

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".

The New York Times - Books

As such, it is indistinguishable from Mr. Bush's own commercials.

The New York Times

It is indistinguishable from any other department store.

The New York Times

It states: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".

The New York Times

Indeed loneliness – the bad sort – is indistinguishable from mild depression.

Independent

For Bellow's typical shorter fiction is indistinguishable, in every regard but length, from his novels.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Clarke famously — and accurately — said that "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic".

The New York Times - Books

With her short hair, jeans and T-shirt she is indistinguishable from many other young women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is indistinguishable" when you want to emphasize that two or more things are so similar that they cannot be told apart. This can add a layer of precision to your writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is indistinguishable" in everyday conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "the same" or "similar" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is indistinguishable" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to indicate that it cannot be differentiated from something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is indistinguishable" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a very high degree of similarity, bordering on identity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is perfectly correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it serves to emphasize that two or more items are so alike that they cannot be told apart. When writing, ensure its use is fitting for the context, avoiding overuse in casual situations. Consider alternative phrases like "is virtually identical" or "cannot be differentiated" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be differentiated

Focuses on the inability to perceive a difference.

is virtually identical

Emphasizes the near-perfect similarity between two things.

is essentially the same

Highlights the fundamental equivalence of the items being compared.

is not discernibly different

Stresses the lack of perceptible difference.

are practically alike

Indicates a high degree of similarity in practical terms.

bears no difference

Highlights the absence of any difference.

is uniformly alike

Focuses on the consistent similarity throughout.

is all but identical

Conveys that the items are almost perfectly the same.

presents no distinction

Indicates that there is no clear or noticeable distinction.

defies differentiation

Suggests a challenge in telling the items apart.

FAQs

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

You can use "is indistinguishable" to describe things that are so alike that they cannot be differentiated. For example, "To the untrained eye, the two species "are indistinguishable"".

What can I say instead of "is indistinguishable"?

Alternatives include "is virtually identical", "is essentially the same", or "cannot be differentiated", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "is indistinguishable" for singular subjects and "are indistinguishable" for plural subjects.

What's the difference between "is indistinguishable" and "is similar"?

"Is similar" implies a resemblance, while "is indistinguishable" suggests a level of likeness so complete that the items cannot be told apart. "The two colors "are similar"" means they share traits, but "the two colors "are indistinguishable"" means they appear identical.