it was identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was identical" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing two things that are exactly the same. Example: "The two documents were reviewed, and it was identical to the original." Alternative expressions include "it was the same" and "it was indistinguishable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was identical," he said.

The New Yorker

"It was identical to that".

The New York Times

"It was identical to my idea.

The Guardian - Film

It was identical to Mr Ziauddin's document.

The Economist

Otherwise, it was identical to Natasha's: four incisors.

The New Yorker

It was identical to one in the album.

The New York Times - Arts

"I saw it in Budapest and it was identical apart from being in Hungarian".

The Guardian

All I will say is that it was identical to the expression on the face of Elton John.

The New Yorker

It was identical to a strain that caused two Ebola outbreaks in nearby southern Sudan in the late 1970's.

The New York Times - Magazine

For those who missed the unveiling of Fabio Capello's second reign as a World Cup manager here is a brief summary; it was identical to the first.

The Guardian - Sport

It was identical to the consensus sequence except for a mutation at position 7. Another cleaved GUC and two more, cleaved GUA.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was identical" when you want to clearly and directly communicate that two things are exactly alike, leaving no room for ambiguity. This phrase is particularly useful in scientific, technical, or legal contexts where precision is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "it was identical" when you actually mean "it was similar". "Identical" implies a perfect match, while "similar" acknowledges differences. Using "identical" loosely can undermine the accuracy and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was identical" functions as a statement of equivalence. It serves to assert that two entities or concepts share the exact same characteristics. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was identical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote exact equivalence between two things. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys broad applicability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general discourse. The phrase is characterized by a neutral register and serves to eliminate ambiguity by asserting a perfect match. When using this expression, ensure that you truly intend to convey a perfect match, and not a mere similarity. For situations where the likeness is strong but not absolute, consider using phrases such as "it was virtually the same" or "it was similar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exactly the same

Emphasizes the complete sameness between two things, adding a degree of intensity.

it was indistinguishable

Highlights the inability to tell the difference between two things.

it was a perfect match

Suggests that the two things aligned flawlessly.

it was virtually the same

Implies a very close resemblance, with minor differences possibly existing.

it was a carbon copy

Indicates an exact duplicate, often in a visual or replicative context.

it was equivalent

Focuses on functional or qualitative equality rather than exact sameness.

it was the spitting image

Suggests a very strong resemblance, often used in the context of people.

it was a doppelganger

Indicates a non-related look-alike, generally of a person.

it mirrored

Implies a reflection or close correspondence.

it was twin

Suggests the close similarities of twins.

FAQs

How can I use "it was identical" in a sentence?

The phrase "it was identical" is used to express that two things are exactly the same. For example: "The copy "it was identical" to the original document."

What phrases are similar to "it was identical"?

Similar phrases include "it was exactly the same", "it was indistinguishable", and "it was a perfect match".

Is it correct to say "it was identical to" or "it was identical with"?

"It was identical to" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. "It was identical with" is less frequently used but not necessarily incorrect.

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

"It was identical" means that there are no differences between the two things being compared. "It was similar" implies that there are resemblances, but also some differences.