is virtually identical to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually identical to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things that are very similar or nearly the same in characteristics or features. Example: "The new model of the smartphone is virtually identical to its predecessor in terms of design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Psalm 18 is virtually identical to David's song).

The New Yorker

The French air-traffic-control system is virtually identical to the American system.

The New Yorker

The profit is virtually identical to that of the first quarter of 2008.

The New York Times

The $390 million segment is virtually identical to one installed by another shuttle crew last month.

The New York Times

In other ways the XUV is virtually identical to the regular Envoy.

The New York Times

Its body unit, constructed largely of aluminum, is virtually identical to that of the SL550.

The New York Times

Mechanically, the S6 is virtually identical to the S7, but it is roomier on the inside.

The New York Times

The Crosstrek's cabin is virtually identical to the Impreza's in appearance and dimensions.

The New York Times

The plea agreement is virtually identical to one that Lionel and his mother rejected before the trial.

The New York Times

The consigned table is "virtually identical" to the table at the museum, according to the Christie's catalog.

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, the Altima's V-6 is virtually identical to those in the heavier Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I35.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually identical to" when you want to emphasize a high degree of similarity while acknowledging that minor differences might exist. For instance, 'The software interface is virtually identical to the previous version, so users will adapt quickly.'

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually identical to" if there are significant differences between the subjects being compared. Saying 'This car is virtually identical to a sports car' when it only shares a paint color is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually identical to" functions as a comparative connector, establishing a relationship of near equivalence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in highlighting similarities between objects, ideas, or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is virtually identical to" effectively communicates a high degree of similarity between two subjects. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in contexts like News & Media and Science. Although it acknowledges minor differences, its purpose is to highlight the near equivalence. As Ludwig's examples show, it's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and neutral registers. Remember to use it when you want to convey a strong resemblance without implying absolute equality, and avoid overstating the similarity if significant differences exist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearly identical to

This phrase is very close in meaning, emphasizing the high degree of similarity.

is almost the same as

This alternative suggests a near equivalence, but leaves room for minor dissimilarities.

is practically the same as

This emphasizes the practical equivalence of the two items, even if minor differences exist.

is essentially the same as

This indicates that the core essence of both items is the same, despite potential superficial differences.

is akin to

This alternative suggests a similarity or resemblance, often in terms of nature or quality.

is comparable to

This phrase indicates that the two items can be compared due to their similarities.

is analogous to

This suggests a parallel or correspondence between the two items, often used in a more formal context.

bears a close resemblance to

This phrase emphasizes the visual or superficial similarity between the two items.

is much like

This alternative is a more casual way of expressing similarity.

mirrors

This alternative implies that one perfectly reflects the characteristics of the other.

FAQs

What does "is virtually identical to" mean?

The phrase "is virtually identical to" means that two things are very, very similar, almost exactly the same. While there might be tiny differences, they're so small they hardly matter.

What can I say instead of "is virtually identical to"?

You can use alternatives like "is almost the same as", "is nearly identical to", or "is essentially the same as" depending on the context.

How to use "is virtually identical to" in a sentence?

You can use "is virtually identical to" to describe things that share very similar traits. For example: 'The design of the new building is virtually identical to the old one' or 'The taste of this soda is virtually identical to that of another brand'.

Is there a difference between "is virtually identical to" and "is identical to"?

Yes. "Is identical to" means two things are exactly the same. "Is virtually identical to" means they are almost the same, with only minor differences. So, "is identical to" implies a stronger level of sameness.