looking for the very same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looking for the very same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a search for something that is identical or exactly the same as what has been previously mentioned. Example: "After searching through various options, I realized I was looking for the very same model I had before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

All these people have come to this place looking for the very same thing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though they access the very same site and look for the very same thing, they need to solve different problems and are, most likely, at different stages of the buyer's journey.

Forbes

Since I was dong Glengarry at the same time, I also was looking for the very last role in that movie, a hat check girl.

Forbes

Omidyar is shelling out upwards of $250 million for First Look, the very same amount Amazon head Jeff Bezos paid for the Washington Post.

TechCrunch

I, on the other hand, often look at the very same garden and see only weeds.

Los Angeles Times

Far from desperately trying to fund their next drug high, childrearing expenses, or bills, they bare their wares for the very same reasons most people look for work -- for money, stability, autonomy, and job satisfaction.

Huffington Post

And now, they're all looking for the same thing: anything designer, anything couture, anything cashmere, anything in very, very good condition".

The New York Times - Magazine

That has been a very successful transition for Adobe and Microsoft is looking for the same with Office 365 (and its Microsoft 365 counterpart).

TechCrunch

He has to [be] very confident of himself….[Other women] should be looking for the same attributes, but they just look for someone who can take care of them financially….A lot of them are looking for money.

BMC Women's Health

Then they looked at the activity of the very same neurons while they slept.

BBC

We're looking for the same thing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looking for the very same" to emphasize that you're seeking something identical, not just similar. This clarifies your specific requirement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "looking for the very same" immediately after another phrase containing 'same' in the sentence. This repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Try rephrasing one of the instances to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking for the very same" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a specific type of search. It conveys the intent to find something identical to a previously mentioned item or concept. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this precise usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking for the very same" is a phrase used to convey a specific intent to find something identical, not just similar. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It’s commonly found in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science, denoting its versatility. While various alternatives exist, such as "seeking the identical", it's crucial to choose the phrase that best emphasizes your need for precision. Bear in mind to avoid overuse of "same" within the same sentence and use the phrase when exactness is critical. When precision is not paramount, consider using "looking for something similar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seeking the identical

Focuses on the sameness using a more formal tone and a slightly different verb choice.

Searching for the equivalent

Emphasizes the search for something that serves the same purpose or function, not necessarily identical.

In pursuit of the exact duplicate

Highlights the pursuit of an item that's an precise copy, adding intensity to the expression.

Trying to find the precise match

Underlines accuracy and precision in the search, focusing on finding an exact correspondence.

Looking for its twin

Emphasizes the similarity by using a metaphor, implying a perfect resemblance like that of twins.

Seeking a carbon copy

Stresses the identical nature of what is being sought, using the term 'carbon copy' metaphorically.

Searching for a mirror image

Suggests the search is for something that is exactly alike, but reflected or inverted.

Trying to locate the double

Highlights the search for something that exists as a duplicate, a 'double' of something else.

In search of an exact replica

Stresses the search for a replica or reproduction that's identical to the original.

Aiming to find the spitting image

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of finding something that bears a strong, almost identical resemblance.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "looking for the very same"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "seeking the identical" or "in pursuit of the exact duplicate". These options add a level of sophistication while maintaining the core meaning.

How does "looking for the very same" differ from "looking for something similar"?

"Looking for the very same" implies a search for something that is exactly identical. In contrast, "looking for something similar" suggests a search for something that shares characteristics but isn't necessarily an exact match. The former emphasizes precision, while the latter allows for flexibility.

When is it appropriate to use "looking for the very same" in writing?

It's appropriate when precision and exactness are crucial. Use "looking for the very same" when you need to emphasize that you're not open to alternatives or close approximations, and only the identical item or outcome will suffice.

What are some alternatives to "looking for the very same" that aren't too formal?

Alternatives include "searching for the equivalent", "trying to find the precise match", or "looking for its twin". These options offer a less formal tone while still conveying the idea of seeking something nearly identical.