not quite the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"not quite the same" is correct and is a phrase commonly used in written English.
For example, you could say: "I had a similar experience, but it was not quite the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not quite the same.

The New York Times

But it's not quite the same.

The New York Times

Yeah, not quite the same buzz.

The New York Times

"The atmosphere is not quite the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Video games are not quite the same".

Independent

Not quite the same thing.

The Guardian

Not quite the same ring.

The New York Times

But it's not quite the same thing.

The New York Times - Arts

Today it is not quite the same.

The Guardian - Arts

OK, so it's not quite the same.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's not quite the same, though.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "not quite the same" with specific examples to illustrate the differences you are pointing out.

Common error

Avoid using "not quite the same" when the items being compared are drastically different. In such cases, a stronger expression of dissimilarity is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not quite the same" functions as a qualifier, indicating that while there are similarities between two or more things, they are not identical. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is commonly used to acknowledge resemblances while highlighting specific differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not quite the same" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that while similarities exist between two or more things, they are not identical. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, predominantly in news media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the differences you're highlighting are meaningful, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "somewhat different" or "not exactly alike" can add further nuance to your writing. Overall, "not quite the same" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced comparisons and avoiding overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite identical

Highlights the difference between two things.

not entirely equivalent

Stresses the lack of complete correspondence or interchangeability.

not exactly alike

Highlights a distinction, implying that the items share characteristics but are not identical.

not precisely identical

Underscores a minor deviation from perfect sameness.

somewhat different

Indicates a partial difference, where some similarities may still exist.

slightly dissimilar

Emphasizes a small degree of difference, suggesting that the items are mostly comparable.

differs to some extent

Indicates a degree of divergence that may not be fully specified.

a bit distinct

Implies a subtle yet noticeable variation between the items.

partially divergent

Suggests that the items share a common origin but have begun to differ.

variations exist

Simply acknowledges that differences are present.

FAQs

How can I use "not quite the same" in a sentence?

Use "not quite the same" to indicate that two things are similar but have notable differences. For example, "This coffee tastes similar to the one I had yesterday, but it's "not quite the same"."

What's the difference between "not quite the same" and "different"?

"Not quite the same" suggests a degree of similarity, whereas "different" implies a more pronounced distinction. Use "not quite the same" when you want to acknowledge some overlap or resemblance.

What are some alternatives to "not quite the same"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat different", "not exactly alike", or "slightly dissimilar" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not quite the same as"?

Yes, "not quite the same as" is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "The movie was good, but it's "not quite the same as" the book."