not the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

"not the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are comparing two items or concepts and wish to emphasize that they are distinct. For example, "The product offered at this store is not the same as the product offered at the other store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Was not the same as outside.

The New York Times

Candor is not the same as catharsis.

The New York Times - Arts

Need is not the same as strategy.

Independent

Sanctions are not the same as discipline.

Independent

It's not the same as Simpson - Bowles

The New York Times

This is not the same as size.

The Economist

Trust is not the same as faith.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is not the same as approval.

The Economist

Anteriority is not the same as superiority.

The New Yorker

not the same as listening.

University of California, Berkeley

Ground is not the same as 0V.

The Circuit Designer's Companion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not the same as", ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand the difference. Briefly explain the key distinctions to aid comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "not the same as" when you simply mean 'similar to'. This phrase is for clear distinctions, not approximations. If the items share qualities, consider alternatives like 'resembles' or 'is akin to'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not the same as" functions as a comparative expression used to emphasize the distinction between two or more entities, concepts, or situations. This is affirmed by Ludwig and the examples which highlight differences rather than similarities. It serves to clarify that items being compared, though possibly related, are fundamentally distinct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not the same as" is a versatile and commonly used expression to emphasize the distinction between two or more entities or concepts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and useful for ensuring clarity in writing and speech. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki, indicating its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand the differences. While alternatives like "different from" or "distinct from" exist, "not the same as" offers a clear and direct way to highlight non-equivalence. Remember to avoid using this phrase when you mean simply 'similar to' to prevent miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different from

Indicates a general dissimilarity, lacking the emphasis of "not the same as".

differs from

Focuses on the specific points of divergence between two things.

distinct from

Suggests a clearer, more defined difference than "not the same as".

unlike

A simpler way to express dissimilarity, less formal than "not the same as".

is not equivalent to

Highlights that two things do not have the same value or function.

contrasts with

Highlights the oppositional nature of the difference.

bears no resemblance to

Emphasizes the lack of similarity, indicating a significant difference.

is disparate from

Emphasizes that 2 or more things are fundamentally different.

diverges from

Suggests a deviation or departure from a common path or standard.

not analogous to

Indicates that something is not accurately comparable or similar in relevant aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "not the same as" to emphasize a distinction between two things, as in, "Being polite is "not the same as" being genuine."

What phrases can I use instead of "not the same as"?

Alternatives include "different from", "distinct from", or "unlike", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "not the same as" or "different than"?

"Not the same as" and "different from" are generally preferred over "different than", although usage varies by region. Always consider your target audience when making a choice.

What's the difference between "not the same as" and "similar to"?

"Not the same as" indicates a clear distinction, while "similar to" suggests that two things share common characteristics but are not identical.