it is identical to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is identical to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that are exactly the same or have no differences. Example: "The new model is identical to the previous version in terms of design and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The other stimulus in this pair, which we refer to as the "repeated/novel" prime, is both "repeated" (it is identical to its pair at the level of abstract letter identities) and "novel" (its physical form never appears consciously).

Plosone

Since K 1 is an anti-symmetric matrix, according to Eq. (12), D is a Hermitian matrix; i.e., it is identical to its conjugate transpose.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is up with her first spot in Pennsylvania, which holds its primary on April 22. Notably, it is identical to an ad she used in Ohio, suggesting her camp is planning to try to repeat that winning strategy in the economically struggling state next door.

The New York Times

It is identical to the people in power".

The New York Times

Why join a religious group if it is identical to the rest of society?

The New York Times

It is identical to the ones that house the juvenile residents.

The New York Times

Early tests of 3percentt of the genome of the coronavirus appear to indicate that it is identical to the SARS virus.

The New York Times

It is identical to a measure that the Senate passed, 57 to 42, in June 2000 as an amendment to the military authorization bill.

The New York Times

It is identical to the grappa produced in Italy, except in one respect: unlike grappa, it is aged in wood, taking on a rich, tawny color.

The New York Times - Food

I draw a graph with a line whose integral represents his growing anger; it is identical to the line denoting my confusion.

The New Yorker

Yet they appear to have the same meaning both seem to say, of one and the same mountain, that it is identical to itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is crucial, especially in technical or scientific writing, "it is identical to" ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is identical to" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler alternative would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your communication sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is identical to" functions as a comparative expression, specifically indicating that two entities are exactly the same. Ludwig shows numerous examples across diverse contexts where the phrase serves to establish complete equivalence. It is grammatical and perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is identical to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to assert that two things are exactly the same. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence across various domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While it's essential for precise and formal communication, remember that simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings. Given the wide range of contexts in which this phrase appears, using it effectively requires considering your audience and the level of formality needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is the same as

This alternative uses simpler language to convey the same meaning of equivalence.

it is equivalent to

This phrase suggests a functional or practical equivalence rather than a strict identity.

it corresponds to

This implies a direct relationship or matching, often in a structured or mapped way.

it is a match for

Focuses on the matching aspect, suitable when comparing items for compatibility or similarity.

it is indistinguishable from

Emphasizes the difficulty in telling the difference between two things.

it mirrors

Suggests a reflection or close resemblance, often used metaphorically.

it replicates

Implies that one thing copies or duplicates another, often in scientific or technical contexts.

it aligns with

This alternative suggests agreement or correspondence, often used in a business or strategic context.

it is tantamount to

This indicates that something is virtually the same as something else, usually with negative connotations.

it approximates to

Suggests a close but not exact resemblance or equality.

FAQs

How can I use "it is identical to" in a sentence?

You can use "it is identical to" to show that two things are exactly the same. For example, "The new software version "it is identical to" the previous one in terms of functionality".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is the same as", "it is equivalent to", or "it corresponds to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is identical with" instead of "it is identical to"?

While "it is identical with" might be encountered, ""it is identical to"" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing in modern English.

What is the difference between "it is similar to" and "it is identical to"?

"It is similar to" implies a resemblance or likeness, while ""it is identical to"" indicates that two things are exactly the same, with no differences.