looks exactly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'looks exactly the same' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which two objects appear to be identical. For example, "The photos of the painting before and after the restoration look exactly the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It looks exactly the same".

The Guardian - Arts

He looks exactly the same.

The Guardian - Arts

Actually, he looks exactly the same.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It always looks exactly the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

__________ Everyone looks exactly the same, lower-middle-class.

The New Yorker

Martin looks exactly the same ie. really old.

The Guardian - Sport

______ Everyone looks exactly the same, lower-middle-class.

The New Yorker

No matter how you look at it, it looks exactly the same to you.

Cornell University

Nothing changes here, you see — that house looks exactly the same as it did then.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They look exactly the same.

The New York Times - Travel

They all look exactly the same.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looks exactly the same" to emphasize that there is no discernible difference between two things being compared, focusing on their visual aspects. For example, "The renovated building looks exactly the same as it did before the fire."

Common error

Avoid using "looks exactly the same" when discussing abstract concepts or qualities that are not visually perceptible. For instance, instead of saying "The plan looks exactly the same", consider "The plan remains unchanged" or "The plan is identical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks exactly the same" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase. It's used to visually compare two subjects, emphasizing that no discernible difference can be observed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks exactly the same" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe situations where two things appear visually identical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discussions. While generally versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where visual similarity is the focus, avoiding its application to abstract concepts. For alternatives, phrases like ""appears identical"" or ""is indistinguishable"" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears identical

Focuses on the appearance being perfectly matched; more formal.

is indistinguishable

Highlights the inability to tell them apart; emphasizes lack of difference.

bears a striking resemblance

Emphasizes the strong similarity in appearance; slightly more descriptive.

duplicates the original

Suggests an exact copy or replica; emphasizes replication.

mirrors the original

Implies a perfect reflection or close parallel; emphasizes reflection.

is virtually the same

Conveys near-perfect similarity with minor potential differences; emphasizes nearness.

is a carbon copy

Indicates an extremely accurate reproduction; colloquial and emphasizes accuracy.

could be twins

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, often used figuratively; informal.

resembles closely

Highlights a marked similarity; more formal and direct.

has an identical appearance

Emphasizes visual likeness; more formal and descriptive.

FAQs

How can I use "looks exactly the same" in a sentence?

Use "looks exactly the same" to describe two things that have a nearly identical appearance. For example, "The updated user interface "looks exactly the same" as the old one".

What are some alternatives to "looks exactly the same"?

Alternatives include "appears identical", "is indistinguishable", or "bears a striking resemblance", depending on the desired nuance.

Which is correct, "looks exactly the same" or "look exactly the same"?

"Looks exactly the same" is used when referring to a singular subject (e.g., "the house looks exactly the same"), while "look exactly the same" is used for plural subjects (e.g., "the twins look exactly the same").

What's the difference between "looks exactly the same" and "is similar to"?

"Looks exactly the same" implies a near-perfect match in appearance, whereas "is similar to" suggests a resemblance that may not be exact. The first emphasizes identical features, while the second allows for some differences.