of the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more items, concepts, or ideas are identical or refer to the same subject. Example: "The two reports are of the same thing, providing similar conclusions about the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My father died of the same thing.

The New York Times - Books

GOP is guilty of the same thing.

University of California, Berkeley

They're all versions of the same thing".

Independent

I'm often accused of the same thing.

The New Yorker

"This is kind of the same thing.

The New York Times - Travel

They're symbols of the same thing.

The New York Times

They're two sides of the same thing".

The Guardian - Film

"Err, it's kind of the same thing.

The Guardian - Tech

You know, never — it was sort of the same thing.

Princeton University

"In the end, it's all part of the same thing.

Independent

"It's kind of the same thing all of the time".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the same thing" to clearly indicate that different terms or actions are fundamentally equivalent, avoiding unnecessary repetition or complexity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "of the same thing" when a simpler comparison like "similar" or "alike" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound more convoluted than necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the same thing" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating equivalence or identity. It's used to equate different terms or concepts, showing they are fundamentally the same. As supported by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of the same thing" serves to equate different concepts, terms or ideas emphasizing their fundamental identity. Grammatically sound and versatile, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly found in news, academic writings, and scientific discussions. While useful for simplifying complex ideas, overuse can lead to redundancy. Related phrases like "essentially equivalent" or "one and the same" can offer more nuanced alternatives. Remember to use it judiciously to enhance clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one and the same

Emphasizes the unity and identity of two seemingly distinct things.

much the same

Simple way of saying things are very similar.

identical in nature

Emphasizes that items share the same fundamental characteristics.

essentially equivalent

Highlights the equivalence in function or meaning.

virtually indistinguishable

Highlights that two or more items are practically impossible to tell apart.

cut from the same cloth

Suggests a shared origin or similar qualities.

mirror images

Suggests a strong resemblance where one reflects the other.

birds of a feather

Refers to people who are similar in character, interests, or background.

two peas in a pod

Indicates extreme similarity, often in appearance or personality.

the spitting image

Implies a very close resemblance, often familial.

FAQs

How can I use "of the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use "of the same thing" to indicate that two or more items, concepts, or ideas are identical or refer to the same subject. For example: "These symptoms are indicative "of the same thing": a severe allergic reaction."

What are some alternatives to "of the same thing"?

Alternatives include "essentially equivalent", "much the same", or "one and the same" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "exactly of the same thing"?

Yes, adding "exactly" is typically redundant because "of the same thing" already implies a high degree of similarity or identity. It's usually better to simply say ""of the same thing"".

What's the difference between "of the same thing" and "similar to"?

"Of the same thing" implies identity, while "similar to" suggests resemblance without being identical. Use "of the same thing" when you mean they are fundamentally the same; use "similar to" when you mean they share characteristics.