is not the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that are different from each other. For example, "This summer's temperatures are not the same as last summer's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not the same as size.

The Economist

Candor is not the same as catharsis.

The New York Times - Arts

Need is not the same as strategy.

Independent

Trust is not the same as faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not the same as approval.

The Economist

Anteriority is not the same as superiority.

The New Yorker

Prestige is not the same as education.

Princeton University

This is not the same as dispersal.

University of California, Berkeley

Leadership is not the same as management.

Project Management, Planning and Control Managing Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing Projects to PMI, APM and BSI Standards

Ground is not the same as 0V.

The Circuit Designer's Companion

Rude is not the same as brash.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not the same as", ensure that the distinction you are making is significant and relevant to your overall argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "is not the same as" when a simpler comparison like "is different from" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Choose the most concise and appropriate wording for the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not the same as" serves as a comparative expression used to differentiate between two distinct concepts, entities, or ideas. It emphasizes that while things might appear similar, they possess fundamental differences. As Ludwig AI validates, this expression is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not the same as" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to clearly differentiate between two things. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, academia, and science. When using the phrase, ensure that the distinction is significant and relevant to your overall communication and avoid overusing the phrase in simple comparisons. While "is different from" may be a simpler alternative, "is not the same as" is optimal when a nuanced distinction is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not equivalent to

This alternative specifically denies any equality or interchangeability.

differs from

This alternative directly points out the difference between two entities or concepts.

cannot be equated with

This alternative indicates a firm rejection of any comparison or alignment.

is distinct from

This alternative highlights a clear and recognizable difference.

should not be confused with

This alternative warns against mistakenly equating two different things.

is in contrast to

This alternative emphasizes oppositional or conflicting characteristics.

is unlike

This alternative implies dissimilarity without necessarily focusing on specific differences.

bears no resemblance to

This alternative emphasizes a lack of similarity or connection.

is disparate from

This alternative suggests a fundamental difference or separation.

is a far cry from

This alternative suggests a significant difference and distance between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "is not the same as" to clearly differentiate between two concepts or entities. For example, "Efficiency "is not the same as effectiveness"; one focuses on minimizing waste, while the other prioritizes achieving the desired outcome."

What are some alternatives to "is not the same as"?

You can use alternatives such as "differs from", "is distinct from", or "is not equivalent to" to express a difference between two things.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not the same as"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What's the difference between "is not the same as" and "is different from"?

"Is not the same as" often implies a more nuanced or significant distinction than the more general "is different from". The former is used to emphasize that two things should not be confused, while the latter simply points out a dissimilarity.