largely identical

USAGE SUMMARY

"largely identical" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
For example: The two products were largely identical, with only minor differences.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Their core priorities were largely identical, Mr. Bernstein said.

The New York Times

The model is largely identical to that seen in popular space simulation EVE Online.

The Guardian - Tech

The lower courts have divided over whether the laws, largely identical, are constitutional.

The New York Times

The multilevel implementation is largely identical to the two-path mediation analysis (for details, see ref. 71).

Nature

Tempers are rising in both Russia and Europe, yet, paradoxically, when it comes to the major challenges they face, their interests are largely identical.

The Guardian - Opinion

In our best case, when the gay partners had largely identical incomes, neither was at a huge disadvantage because they ended up with about the same monthly benefits.

The New York Times

Until the 17th century the history of Western art was largely identical with the history of Western ecclesiastical and religious art.

Britannica

A second, largely identical ferry, called the Spirit of France, will join the fleet in September, replacing the Pride of Calais which dates from 1986.

Independent

The puja (worship) performed in public "for the well-being of the world" is, though sometimes more elaborate, largely identical with that executed for personal interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of course, even though the original questionnaires were largely identical, local understanding of the questions can differ.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We found that genome-wide methylation patterning is largely identical between MTX-treated 3dpf and untreated 3dpf zebrafish.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing complex systems or processes, "largely identical" can be a useful phrase to highlight the overall similarity despite potential variations in specific components.

Common error

Avoid using "largely identical" when the differences are significant or impactful. Overstating the similarity can lead to misinterpretations or inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely identical" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, expressing a high degree of similarity. It's used to indicate that two or more things are very similar but not completely the same, allowing for minor differences. As Ludwig confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "largely identical" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express a high degree of similarity with minor differences, according to Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. The phrase is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related content, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis of example usages. When precision is critical, remember to be mindful that this term acknowledges differences and is not synonymous with "completely identical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly the same

Focuses on the high degree of similarity with allowance for minor differences.

essentially equivalent

Highlights the functional equivalence despite potential superficial differences.

nearly indistinguishable

Emphasizes the difficulty in perceiving differences.

substantially similar

Indicates a significant degree of resemblance.

broadly equivalent

Suggests an equivalence in general terms, overlooking finer distinctions.

virtually alike

Implies the items are so similar they can be considered the same for most purposes.

almost uniform

Highlights the lack of variation or diversity.

close to equal

Emphasizes the proximity in value or characteristics.

largely comparable

Emphasizes that the items can be compared without significant discrepancies.

roughly analogous

Points to a similarity in function or relationship, even if not in appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "largely identical" in a sentence?

The phrase "largely identical" is used to express that two or more things are very similar but not exactly the same. For example, "The two models are "largely identical", with only minor cosmetic differences."

What's the difference between "largely identical" and "completely identical"?

"Largely identical" suggests a high degree of similarity with slight variations, while "completely identical" means there are no differences whatsoever. If something is "largely identical", you can expect only minor variations.

Are there synonyms for "largely identical"?

Yes, alternatives include "mostly the same", "essentially equivalent", or "substantially similar". The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "largely identical" instead of "similar"?

"Largely identical" indicates a stronger degree of similarity than simply "similar". Use "largely identical" when the items being compared share almost all characteristics, while "similar" can be used for items with fewer common attributes.