is the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more things are equal. For example, "The answer to this math problem is the same as the answer to the last math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Design is the same.

The New York Times

Seventeen is the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Bloomberg is the same.

The New Yorker

"Everything is the same".

The New York Times

Marian is the same.

The New Yorker

"Handball is the same.

The New York Times - Sports

"Laetitia is the same.

The New York Times

Decluttering is the same.

The New York Times

Knowledge is the same.

The New Yorker

Football is the same".

Independent

Nothing is the same.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is the same" to clearly and concisely establish equivalence between two subjects or concepts. Ensure that the comparison is logical and relevant to your overall point.

Common error

Avoid using "is the same" when a nuanced comparison is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can flatten distinctions when "is similar to" or "resembles" would better convey the intended relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the same" primarily functions as a linking verb phrase to assert equivalence or identity between two subjects. Ludwig confirms the validity and common usage of this phrase for establishing direct comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is the same" is a common and grammatically sound way to express equivalence or identity between two or more things. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure the comparison is logically sound and consider whether a more nuanced term might be more appropriate. For situations where precision is paramount, alternatives like "are identical" or "are equivalent" might provide greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are identical

Expresses a stronger sense of equivalence, implying perfect likeness without any difference.

are equivalent

Suggests that two things have the same value, measure, or effect.

are alike

Implies a general similarity, without necessarily being exactly the same.

are similar

Indicates a resemblance or likeness, but not complete identity.

are comparable

Suggests that two things can be compared because they share some features.

correspond

Implies a direct relationship or matching quality between two things.

match

Suggests a close resemblance or correspondence.

are analogous

Implies a similarity based on a comparison of relationships or functions.

are interchangeable

Indicates that two things can be used in place of each other without any difference.

are uniform

Suggests that things are consistent and without variation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "is the same"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are identical", "are equivalent", or "are similar".

How can I use "is the same" in a sentence?

You can use "is the same" to indicate that two things are equal or equivalent. For example, "The price of the red shirt is the same as the price of the blue shirt."

Is it always appropriate to use "is the same" when comparing two things?

While "is the same" is generally correct for expressing equivalence, consider whether a more nuanced comparison using phrases like "is comparable to" or "is akin to" might be more accurate.

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

"Is the same" indicates that two things are identical, while "is similar" suggests they share some characteristics but are not exactly alike. For instance, "This car is the same model" implies an exact match, whereas "This car is similar" suggests resemblance without complete identity.