mainly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are largely similar, with only minor differences. Example: "The two reports are mainly the same, with only a few updates in the data section."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Kohl's comparatively has more ambience but still occupies the niche -- and mainly the same stores -- as Caldor's once did.

The New York Times

In England, he will be up against mainly the same horses he beat in Ireland so it makes more sense, there's no point in changing things".

The Guardian - Sport

"For the moment, we are seeing mainly the same type of airlines placing orders," said Damien Lasou, a managing director at Accenture in Paris.

The New York Times

The justices have the same powers the law lords enjoyed (they cannot, unlike America's supreme-court judges, strike down primary legislation), and are mainly the same people.

The Economist

But the first recent coverage to get attention came from a little-known YouTube user, DaPhoneyRapperz, who uploaded a video supposedly showing the Democratic nominee convulsing and having seizures – mainly the same few bits of video of Clinton laughing or making faces looped to a creepy soundtrack – on 21 July and has more than 2.2m views.

The Guardian

An interactive version shows mainly the same footage as the BBC One trailer but if you click at the right time on words such as "I want to know why" and "person that mattered most", several more exclusive clips are revealed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Mr. Banner, 47, is a custom builder who works mainly in the same area.

The New York Times

It makes some feeble gestures toward reform but mainly recycles the same old obsolete blather.

The New Yorker

differences between individuals are mainly genetic, the same must be true for I. Q

The New York Times - Books

The club failed to invest properly, leaving the manager to work mainly with the same players who were not good enough to survive two years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

What then to make of "Love Hate and Then There's You," which mainly flogs the same formula as its predecessor?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainly the same", ensure that you clarify the aspects that are different to provide a complete picture. For example, "The two designs are mainly the same, except for the color scheme."

Common error

Avoid using "mainly the same" when the items being compared have significant differences. This can mislead the reader. Instead, use phrases that acknowledge the disparities more clearly, like "somewhat similar" or "related but distinct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly the same" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a high degree of similarity with minor differences. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainly the same" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a high degree of similarity with minor differences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. When using this phrase, it's essential to clarify the differences to provide a complete and accurate representation. Alternatives like "largely identical" or "primarily similar" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. Overall, "mainly the same" is a versatile and reliable phrase for expressing similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely identical

This alternative suggests a higher degree of similarity, implying the differences are insignificant.

primarily similar

This phrase emphasizes the similarity as the main aspect, while acknowledging some differences.

mostly alike

This option uses simpler language to convey a similar level of resemblance.

chiefly equivalent

This alternative emphasizes the equivalence in function or effect, with some variation.

generally comparable

This suggests that the items can be compared, despite some dissimilarities.

for the most part, equal

This option explicitly states that the items are equal in most aspects.

in essence, similar

This highlights that the core or fundamental nature of the items is alike.

virtually indistinguishable

This conveys that the differences are so small as to be almost impossible to notice.

broadly similar

This suggests that the items share similarities in a general sense, without focusing on details.

on the whole, alike

This phrase implies an overall similarity, even if some individual aspects differ.

FAQs

How can I use "mainly the same" in a sentence?

You can use "mainly the same" to describe items or situations that are largely similar but have minor differences. For example, "The two versions of the software are mainly the same, but the new version has a few additional features."

What is an alternative to "mainly the same"?

Alternatives to "mainly the same" include "largely identical", "primarily similar", or "mostly alike", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mainly the same" or "mostly the same"?

Both "mainly the same" and "mostly the same" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "mainly the same" and "essentially the same"?

"Mainly the same" implies that there are only minor differences, while "essentially the same" suggests that the fundamental nature or core aspects are identical.