nearly indistinguishable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly indistinguishable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are so similar that they are difficult to tell apart. Example: "The two paintings were nearly indistinguishable, making it hard for the art critics to determine which was the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The characters are nearly indistinguishable," Whitehead wrote.

The New York Times - Books

These days, they are nearly indistinguishable.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, they sound terrific — nearly indistinguishable from the original.

The New York Times - Tech

To casual observers, the two counties are nearly indistinguishable.

The New York Times

In "Democracy," dialogue and narrative have become nearly indistinguishable.

The New Yorker

In many species, males and females are nearly indistinguishable.

The New York Times - Science

Its sound is nearly indistinguishable from the $100 wired Revos.

The New York Times

Perhaps any sufficiently sophisticated science fiction, at least in his case, is nearly indistinguishable from religion.

The New York Times - Books

When printed on expensive glossy photo paper, these photos are nearly indistinguishable from drugstore prints.

The New York Times - Tech

You get quality that's nearly indistinguishable from the Boses — for a third the price.

The New York Times - Tech

In fact, he is nearly indistinguishable from Mr. Lieberman, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate in 2000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing items that are "nearly indistinguishable", specify the context or aspect in which they appear similar to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly indistinguishable" when there are noticeable differences between the items; instead, opt for phrases that reflect a lesser degree of similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly indistinguishable" functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing the degree to which the noun is similar to something else, indicating a high level of resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearly indistinguishable" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective phrase used to describe items that are highly similar. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, from formal scientific discourse to general news reporting. While it signifies a strong resemblance, it's important to remember that it doesn't imply complete identity. When aiming for clarity, consider specifying the context or aspect that makes the items so similar. Its presence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, approaching complete sameness.

close to identical

Similar to 'almost identical', implying a strong resemblance.

virtually the same

Emphasizes that the differences are so minor they are practically non-existent.

essentially alike

Focuses on the fundamental similarities, downplaying superficial differences.

for all intents and purposes the same

Underlines that despite potential theoretical differences the reality and function are identical.

hardly different

Highlights the lack of significant variations between the items being compared.

scarcely distinguishable

Focuses on the difficulty in telling the items apart.

substantially similar

Stresses the considerable overlap in key characteristics or qualities.

much the same

Suggests that the items being compared are very similar or equivalent.

roughly equivalent

Indicates a general level of equivalence, without emphasizing minute details.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly indistinguishable" in a sentence?

Use "nearly indistinguishable" to describe things that are very similar but not exactly the same. For example: "The twins were "nearly indistinguishable" at birth."

What can I say instead of "nearly indistinguishable"?

You can use alternatives like "almost identical", "virtually the same", or "essentially alike" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "nearly indistinguishable" or "almost indistinguishable"?

Both "nearly indistinguishable" and "almost indistinguishable" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between ""nearly indistinguishable"" and "completely different"?

"Nearly indistinguishable" describes things that are very similar and hard to tell apart, while "completely different" describes things that have no similarities at all. They are antonyms.