much the same as that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "much the same as that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very similar to something else previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the experiment were much the same as that of the previous study, confirming our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

—Mmm, gives Jack craw Much the same as that Colgan.

The Guardian - Books

In this study, a fascinating photocatalytic property of EDTA under light irradiation was observed, much the same as that of natural horseradish peroxidase.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

"My boyhood," he explained, "was very much the same as that of the boy in the book, and it was a great relief telling people about it".

The New York Times - Books

Except for the signing bonus, Mr. Thompson's compensation is much the same as that of his predecessor, Janet L. Robinson, in terms of annual salary and bonus eligibility.

The New York Times

At times the personnel of the Working Party has been much the same as that of the deputies of the Group of Ten.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The argument of Houellebecq's poetry is much the same as that of his fiction: the illusion of diversity has created cultural homogeneity and proscribed individualism.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Stephen Levy at the Centre for the Continuing Study of the Californian Economy estimates the GDP of the valley's 2m inhabitants at around $65 billion--much the same as that of Chile's 15m people.

The Economist

Indeed, the reaction to the shuttle explosion has been much the same as those that came after most accidents in the past that have punctuated the world's technical and industrial development.

The New York Times

"There are no elves or wizards in my books but the ties that bind my characters, their friendships and codes of conduct, are very much the same as those that bind JK Rowling's characters," he says.

The Guardian - Books

For the rest, the 2013 Jaguar XJ is pretty much the same as before – that means the same great looks, the same terrific interior and the same choice between short and long wheelbase versions.

Independent

"Remastered" is a common marketing hook in the music business, but ultimately that version of "Crosstown Traffic" on the umpteenth Jimi Hendrix compilation is much the same as the rendition that hit the airwaves four decades ago.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing abstract concepts, use "much the same as that" to highlight shared attributes or implications. This adds clarity and reinforces the comparative relationship, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Common error

Avoid using "much the same as that" for very obvious or trivial comparisons. Simpler phrases like "similar to that" or "the same as that" may be more appropriate to maintain conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much the same as that" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something shares significant similarities with a previously mentioned entity or concept. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase demonstrates equivalence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much the same as that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a high degree of similarity between two things. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, from news media to scientific publications, indicating its versatility. While it's advisable to avoid overuse in simplistic comparisons, leveraging it to highlight shared characteristics in more complex discussions can add clarity and depth. Consider alternative phrases like ""virtually identical to that"" or ""largely similar to that"" to fine-tune the specific nuance of your comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually identical to that

Emphasizes near perfect similarity.

almost the same as that

Indicates a high degree of similarity with minor differences.

largely similar to that

Suggests similarity in most aspects, but allows for noticeable differences.

comparable to that

Highlights that two things are worthy of comparison, implying shared characteristics.

analogous to that

Implies a similarity in function or relationship.

bears a resemblance to that

Focuses on the presence of similar features or aspects.

shares characteristics with that

Highlights shared attributes or qualities.

in the same vein as that

Indicates a similarity in style, approach, or spirit.

of a similar nature to that

Highlights a similarity in fundamental qualities or characteristics.

akin to that

Suggests a close relationship or resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "much the same as that" in a sentence?

Use "much the same as that" to indicate a strong similarity between two things. For example, "The new policy is "much the same as that" implemented last year".

What are some alternatives to "much the same as that"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually identical to that", "almost the same as that", or "largely similar to that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "pretty much the same as that"?

Yes, "pretty much the same as that" is a more informal but acceptable variant. It suggests a slightly less exact similarity compared to ""much the same as that"".

What's the difference between "similar to that" and "much the same as that"?

"Similar to that" implies a general resemblance, while ""much the same as that"" indicates a stronger, more pronounced similarity.