is virtually the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two things are almost identical or have very minor differences. Example: "The two products are virtually the same in terms of features and performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The structure is virtually the same.

The New York Times

Today, the picture is virtually the same.

The New Yorker

Their career prize money is virtually the same.

The New York Times

The preamble may vary year to year, but Lamb's crescendo is virtually the same.

The New York Times - Sports

"The number of homes is virtually the same as the number of households," Wilcox wrote.

The Guardian

Which, with my rose-tinted glasses firmly in place, is virtually the same thing.

The Guardian - Money

Flying Ted is virtually the same as flying coach on any other airline.

The New York Times - Travel

Sled hockey -- called sledge hockey outside the United States -- is virtually the same as regular hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

The XG300 seems to be aimed directly at the Maxima, and is virtually the same size.

The New York Times

Consequently, Anomalisa had to be reinvented, and while the script is virtually the same, the effect is utterly different.

The Guardian - Film

Their rotation and bullpen is virtually the same, with Jason Motte still out of the picture with injury.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually the same" when you want to convey that two things are so alike that their differences are insignificant for the purpose of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually the same" when there are significant differences between the subjects being compared; instead, opt for language that acknowledges these differences while still highlighting similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually the same" functions primarily as a comparative descriptor, indicating a high degree of similarity between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts. This use is substantiated by numerous examples across different sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually the same" is a versatile expression used to convey a strong degree of similarity, implying that differences are negligible for practical purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While highly prevalent in News & Media and Science, its applicability spans various registers from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the near-identity it suggests, and consider alternatives like "is almost identical" or "is essentially the same" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost identical

Emphasizes nearness to perfect identity, focusing on a minute difference.

is nearly identical

Highlights the small margin separating two things from being completely the same.

is practically the same

Stresses the functional equivalence of the subjects despite minor differences.

is essentially the same

Underscores the core similarity, disregarding superficial differences.

is basically the same

Focuses on the fundamental similarity, suitable for informal contexts.

is much the same

Suggests a strong resemblance but allows for subtle variations.

is effectively the same

Indicates an equivalence in outcome or impact, regardless of process.

is to all intents and purposes the same

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is essentially identical.

is tantamount to

Implies an equivalence in effect or consequence, often used in more serious contexts.

is akin to

Suggests a likeness in nature or qualities, suitable for descriptive contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "is virtually the same" to indicate that two things are almost identical, with only minor or insignificant differences. For example, "The two models are virtually the same in terms of performance".

What can I say instead of "is virtually the same"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "is virtually the same" in formal writing?

Yes, "is virtually the same" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to express near identity. However, consider the nuance you want to convey and if a more precise term would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "is virtually the same" and "is exactly the same"?

"Is exactly the same" means there are no differences whatsoever. "Is virtually the same" means the differences are so minor they are negligible for the purpose of the comparison.