is not exactly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not exactly the same" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express that two things are similar but not entirely the same. For example, "My sister's painting is not exactly the same as the one in the gallery, but it has a similar style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not exactly the same situation.

The New York Times

The context is not exactly the same".

The New York Times - Arts

However the canvas size is not exactly the same as the image size.

Princeton University

The virus's genome is not exactly the same as the sort found in Central Africa.

The Economist

Mr. Gumucio said that his sequence of poses is not exactly the same as Mr. Choudhury's.

The New York Times

Racism is not exactly the same now as it was then.

The Guardian

It is not exactly the same as making the All-Star team.

The New York Times - Sports

Hence, while the three master teachers are 'experts', the manifestation of their best practices is not exactly the same.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Although all routines contain an optional sigma argument, the meaning of this parameter is not exactly the same.

Harvard University

However, spatial pattern of ENSO biological variability as represented with NPP is not exactly the same as chlorophyll-a variability.

Advances in Space Research

You also become aware of all the ways in which listening is not exactly the same as reading.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not exactly the same" to precisely indicate that two things share similarities but have key differences that are worth noting. This helps avoid oversimplification or inaccurate comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "is not exactly the same" when the differences are trivial or irrelevant to the context. Focus on significant distinctions to maintain clarity and avoid unnecessary emphasis on minor discrepancies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not exactly the same" functions as a comparative expression, highlighting distinctions between two entities or concepts that share some degree of similarity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating nuanced differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not exactly the same" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a nuanced comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. This phrase excels at highlighting subtle differences between similar entities. It's frequently found in news articles, scientific papers, and academic texts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are emphasizing meaningful distinctions and not dwelling on trivialities. Alternatives like "is not quite the same" or "is similar but distinct" can add variety to your writing. In essence, "is not exactly the same" is a reliable tool for precise and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not quite the same

Uses "quite" to soften the contrast, suggesting a smaller degree of difference.

is not entirely identical

Emphasizes the lack of complete identity between two things.

is similar but distinct

Highlights both the similarity and the difference.

is not precisely equivalent

Focuses on the lack of precise mathematical or logical equivalence.

differs in some respects

Indicates that there are specific differences that can be identified.

is not a carbon copy

Uses a more informal idiom to convey the lack of exact duplication.

is akin to, but not the same

Acknowledges a close relationship while maintaining a distinction.

bears resemblance but isn't identical

Highlights the resemblance but firmly denies complete sameness.

shares characteristics but is unique

Points out shared features while asserting individual uniqueness.

is in the same ballpark

Uses an informal idiom to suggest approximation rather than exactness.

FAQs

How can I use "is not exactly the same" in a sentence?

Use "is not exactly the same" to compare two things that share similarities but have notable differences. For example, "While both cars are SUVs, the driving experience "is not exactly the same" due to variations in engine size and suspension."

What phrases are similar to "is not exactly the same"?

Similar phrases include "is not quite the same", "is not entirely identical", or "is similar but distinct". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not exactly the same" or "is different"?

"Is different" is a broader statement. "Is not exactly the same" implies a degree of similarity along with the difference, offering a more nuanced comparison. Use "is different" for unrelated items, and "is not exactly the same" when there's a connection but not a perfect match.

When should I avoid using "is not exactly the same"?

Avoid using "is not exactly the same" when comparing items with no inherent similarity or when the differences are already obvious. It's most effective when clarifying subtle distinctions between related concepts.