is virtually equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two things that are almost the same or have very similar meanings or effects. Example: "In terms of functionality, the two software programs are virtually equivalent, offering similar features and performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Thus clause (i) is virtually equivalent to V1.

SEP

This is virtually equivalent to adopting an "infinite" label space.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

In both groups, the clinical functionality is virtually equivalent (M&G 2.25 ± 0.62 and T 2.19 ± 0.90), and this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.62).

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

This method applies an iteration algorithm, which is virtually equivalent to the iteration algorithm of the unmodified Newton Raphson method combined with the vector potential formulation.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

So, as it turns out, Peirce's definition of the difference between finite and infinite sets is virtually equivalent to the standard one, which is found in Section 5 of Richard Dedekind's Was Sind und Was Sollen die Zahlen?, to the effect that an infinite set is one that can be placed into a one-to-one correspondence with a proper subset of itself.

SEP

This benefit basket is virtually equivalent to that of the NHS but include some additional benefits.

European Journal of Health Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This is not the case in several real systems, in particular in shared clusters, in which even the load variation may cause performance problems that are virtually equivalent to faults.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The exogenous BMAL1 is not under control of the Bmal1 promoter and hence can not be affected by Rev-erbα; and (iii) BMAL1 protein levels are higher in the GSKβ−/− MEFs and D2R−/− mice than in their wild type counterparts, although Bmal1 circadian mRNA levels are virtually equivalent (Figs. 4 A,B and 5 A,B).

Plosone

Both the western blot and real-time RT-PCR showed that there was a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of the aptamer ZE2 on viral infection, and the inhibitory effect of 100 nM ZE2 aptamer was virtually equivalent to that of 500 IU IFN-α (Figs. 6B and 6C).

Plosone

Therefore, although outcomes were virtually equivalent in both arms, costs were higher in the intervention arm.

British Medical Journal

The prognostic data obtained from the two measurements are virtually equivalent.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is virtually equivalent", ensure that the context clarifies the specific aspects in which the equivalence holds, as complete equivalence is rarely the case.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually equivalent" when there are significant differences between the subjects being compared. The phrase implies a high degree of similarity, and misusing it can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually equivalent" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate a state of near equivalence. Ludwig's examples show its use in scientific and technical contexts to compare properties or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is virtually equivalent" is used to express that two or more things are almost the same, with minor differences that do not significantly alter their effect or function. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in scientific and technical contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you're not overstating the degree of similarity and that the context clarifies the specific aspects of equivalence. Consider using alternatives like "is almost identical" or "is nearly the same" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, bordering on indistinguishable.

is functionally equivalent

Focuses on the equivalence in terms of function or operation.

is nearly the same

Suggests a close resemblance with only minor differences.

is practically equal

Highlights the equivalence in a practical sense, despite possible theoretical differences.

is essentially similar

Focuses on the fundamental similarity, downplaying superficial differences.

is effectively interchangeable

Highlights the ability to substitute one for the other without significant impact.

is for all intents and purposes equivalent

Emphasizes the practical equivalence in almost every situation.

is much the same

A more informal way of expressing substantial similarity.

is roughly analogous

Implies a similarity that allows for comparison, but not necessarily complete equivalence.

is closely comparable

Suggests the possibility of drawing meaningful comparisons due to shared characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "is virtually equivalent" in a sentence?

You can use "is virtually equivalent" to indicate that two things are almost the same or have the same effect in a particular context. For example, "In this scenario, option A "is virtually equivalent" to option B".

What's the difference between "is virtually equivalent" and "is identical"?

"Is virtually equivalent" implies a very high degree of similarity but not complete sameness, while "is identical" means they are exactly the same. Use "is virtually equivalent" when there are minor, negligible differences.

Are there formal alternatives to "is virtually equivalent"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "is functionally equivalent" or "is practically equal". These options maintain a similar meaning while sounding more professional.

When is it inappropriate to use "is virtually equivalent"?

It's inappropriate when there are significant or meaningful differences between the items being compared. For instance, if the performance varies widely under different conditions, using ""is virtually equivalent"" would be misleading.