is practically identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is practically identical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that are very similar or nearly the same in appearance, function, or characteristics. Example: "The two designs are practically identical, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In addition, the entire macedovicin gene cluster is practically identical (99% sequence identity over the entire length of the ~9.8 kb cluster) to the respective clusters of thermophilin 1277 and bovicin HJ50 found in the dairy isolates S. thermophilus SBT1277 and S. bovis HJ50, respectively [ 37].

BMC Genomics

In addition, the insertion site consensus sequence is extraordinarily conserved, and the insertion site sequence is practically identical for all copies in both ISs.

BMC Genomics

The logic of the banks is practically identical.

The New Yorker

In real terms this is practically identical with the concept of production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To my eyes, anyway, that is practically identical to what the top line in Piketty's figure 10.5 shows.

The New Yorker

There are no signs advertising its place in history; it is practically identical to almost every neighbouring house.

The Guardian - Travel

The classic splayed-finger movement that has become a Fosse cliché is practically identical to the gesture used by the deaf to signify applause.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They are practically identical with British regulations".

The Guardian

All of these are practically identical with the received text.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many respects, the TiVo (www.tivo.com) and ReplayTV (www.replaytv.com) are practically identical.

The New York Times - Tech

At a glance, the iPhone 4, 4S and 5 are practically identical.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is practically identical", ensure that the context supports a claim of near equivalence rather than absolute identity. Minor differences may exist, but they should be negligible for the purpose of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is practically identical" when significant differences exist. If the variations impact functionality or perception, a weaker term like "similar" or "comparable" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is practically identical" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or noun phrase to describe its state of near equivalence. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in academic and news contexts to highlight similarities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is practically identical" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, indicating a high degree of similarity. According to Ludwig, it "is correct" and usable in written English. While minor differences might exist, they are considered negligible. This phrase is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing near equivalence rather than absolute identity. Alternative phrases include "is virtually the same" and "is nearly identical". When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the claim of near equivalence to avoid overstating the similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually the same

Emphasizes near equivalence but allows for minor, negligible differences.

is nearly identical

Indicates a very close resemblance, with only slight deviations.

is almost indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in telling the items apart.

is essentially equivalent

Focuses on the functional equivalence despite potential superficial differences.

is effectively the same

Stresses that the outcome or effect is the same, regardless of any minor variations.

is closely analogous

Highlights a strong similarity or correspondence between two things.

is much the same

Indicates a high degree of similarity without claiming exact equivalence.

is tantamount to

Suggests that the two things are equivalent in effect or value.

is on a par with

Implies equivalence in quality, status, or level.

is broadly similar

Indicates a general resemblance without specifying exact correspondence.

FAQs

What does "is practically identical" mean?

The phrase "is practically identical" means that two or more things are almost the same, with only very minor differences that don't significantly affect their overall nature or function.

How can I use "is practically identical" in a sentence?

You can use "is practically identical" to emphasize the near equivalence of two things, as in "The two models "are practically identical" in terms of performance".

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

You can use alternatives like "is virtually the same", "is almost indistinguishable", or "is nearly identical" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is practically identical"?

Yes, "is practically identical" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase used to describe things that are very similar. According to Ludwig, it "is correct" and usable in written English.