perfectly identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfectly identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are exactly the same in every way. Example: "The two paintings were perfectly identical, making it difficult to determine which one was the original."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Previously, a similarly high level of nucleotide identity (197 bp perfectly identical) has been reported between the second exons of the bovine vasopressin and oxytocin genes [ 34].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But they're not perfectly identical".

The New York Times - Health

at 25.0 °C which is perfectly identical with the reference data.

Electrochimica Acta

Loss of this activity has very important consequences, such as high rates of mutation (hypermutability) and increased recombination between non perfectly identical (homeologous) DNA sequences4, both hallmarks of MMR inactivation.

Nature

Once a file is removed, the company tries to keep perfectly identical files from being uploaded again, but she listed various ways that determined users can alter the files just enough to effectively circumvent these measures.

The New York Times

Rough cut meant slicing the carrot in half, lengthwise, and then — chop, chop, chop — cutting it into perfectly identical half moons (which, to my eye, had nothing rough about them).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

So they may be perfectly genetically identical, these parasites.

Harvard University

This paper investigates the crack tip plastic zone in a thin ductile layer sandwiched between two identical perfectly elastic adherents subjected to normal loading.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Follow Aslison Elkin on thetter.

Vice

The QDs are not perfectly spherical neither identical; that is, the ensemble is inhomogeneously broadened.

ACS Nano

No biological system or structure is likely to be perfectly symmetrical, or have identical right and left forms.

Progress in Retinal and Eye Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly identical" to emphasize an exact match or replication, such as in scientific comparisons or legal descriptions. Be mindful that in many real-world scenarios, 'nearly identical' may be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly identical" when describing items that are only very similar. Reserve it for scenarios where the match is, without a doubt, exact, or you risk losing credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly identical" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to express that two or more things are exactly the same. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it is used to emphasize that two or more things are exactly the same in every way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "perfectly identical" is used to describe things that are exactly the same, without any differences. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in writing. The phrase functions as a compound adjective with neutral to formal register. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts where exactness is essential. Be careful to use "perfectly identical" only when describing true and exact matches, rather than near or close equivalencies. Common alternatives include "absolutely identical" and "completely identical".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely identical

Replaces "perfectly" with "absolutely", intensifying the degree of sameness.

completely identical

Substitutes "perfectly" with "completely", highlighting the thoroughness of the match.

entirely the same

Uses a different structure to convey the same meaning of complete equivalence.

exactly the same

Emphasizes the precision and accuracy of the equivalence.

indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell the difference between the items.

precisely alike

Uses "precisely" to stress the accuracy of the similarity.

mirror images

Implies a reversed but otherwise identical appearance.

carbon copies

Suggests an exact duplication, often in a written or printed context.

duplicates

Highlights the fact of being exact copies of one another.

interchangeable

Focuses on the functional equivalence of the items.

FAQs

How can I use "perfectly identical" in a sentence?

You can use "perfectly identical" to describe two or more things that are exactly the same in every way. For example, "The two fingerprints were "perfectly identical", confirming his presence at the scene."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly identical"?

Some alternatives to "perfectly identical" include "absolutely identical", "completely identical", or "entirely the same". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "perfectly identical"?

It is appropriate to use "perfectly identical" when you want to emphasize that there are no differences whatsoever between two or more items. However, remember it's important to ensure that the comparison is indeed reflecting an exact sameness.

What's the difference between "perfectly identical" and "very similar"?

"Perfectly identical" implies an exact match with no differences, while "very similar" indicates that items share many characteristics but are not the same. Using "very similar" can be more accurate in cases where minor variations exist.