possibly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that two or more things might be identical or similar, but there is uncertainty. Example: "The two samples appear to be possibly the same, but further testing is required to confirm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is possibly the same motivation war journalists feel.

The Guardian - Sport

Everybody catches a pike, quite possibly the same one.

The Guardian - Travel

Possibly the same as ESTC T169791, but date of publication varies. 1 sheet ( p). ; 33 x 20 cm.

Yale University

A strain of the flu, possibly the same strain killing birds now, killed six people in the territory in 1997.

The New York Times

"They are treating it, because of the similar pick-up locations, as possibly the same perpetrator," he said.

The New York Times

M.A. Pushpa Kumara is the photographer, and you can see another photograph of an elephant, possibly the same one.

The New York Times

They appear when the cadmium content in the deposits is more than 45 wt.% and they have possibly the same origin as the oscillations during cadmium electrodeposition.

Electrochimica Acta

Use a strong brush, possibly the same kind you use to clean the grill grates, or maybe a nylon brush, depending on the grill material.

The Washington Post

It seemed to be made out of soluble material - possibly the same stuff as those translucent breath-mint strips that dissolve on your tongue.

The Guardian - Music

Slash apparently owns a Hello Kitty guitar, or at least he's been pictured holding one - possibly the same model as the one that Carmen Electra bought Dave Navarro?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one picture a man and woman sleep lovingly together; in another, a second couple, or possibly the same couple, is locked in brutal combat.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possibly the same" when you want to indicate a degree of uncertainty about the identity or equivalence of two or more things. This suggests a potential similarity without asserting it definitively.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly the same" when you have concrete evidence of a difference or when you are certain of their distinct identities. In such cases, use a more definitive phrase or explain the differences clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly the same" functions as an adverbial modifier expressing uncertainty. It modifies a noun or noun phrase to indicate that two or more items may be identical. Ludwig provides numerous examples of usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "possibly the same" is a versatile phrase used to express uncertainty or speculation about the identity or equivalence of two or more things. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed conveying uncertainty rather than implying certainty or stating a known difference. Consider alternatives like "potentially identical" or "maybe equivalent" for nuanced expression. Remember that this phrase indicates possibility, and further evidence might be needed to confirm the identity or equivalence you're suggesting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially identical

Highlights the potential for complete equivalence, emphasizing the "identical" aspect more strongly.

conceivably the same

Suggests a possibility, though perhaps less likely, that two things are the same.

perhaps the identical

It's a formal way to express something is almost the same.

maybe equivalent

Focuses on equivalence rather than exact sameness, implying functional similarity.

could be identical

Emphasizes the potential for two things to be exactly alike.

ostensibly similar

Implies a surface-level similarity that may or may not hold up under closer examination.

seemingly equivalent

Similar to 'ostensibly similar', but with a slightly stronger implication of actual equivalence.

in some respects alike

Points out that the entities are similar, but limited to some aspects.

comparable in nature

Highlights that the items/subjects are relatable in the context of their nature.

along the same lines

Highlights that two subjects are similar and in coherence to a determined context.

FAQs

How can I use "possibly the same" in a sentence?

You can use "possibly the same" to express uncertainty about whether two things are identical. For example, "The two errors might stem from "possibly the same" source".

What are some alternatives to saying "possibly the same"?

Alternatives include phrases like "potentially identical", "conceivably the same", or "maybe equivalent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "possibly the same" or "probably the same"?

"Possibly the same" indicates a lower degree of certainty than "probably the same". Use "possibly" when there's less evidence to suggest they are identical; use "probably" when there's more evidence, but still not conclusive.

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

"Possibly the same" suggests a potential for identical nature, while "similar to" indicates resemblance without implying identity. "Similar to" acknowledges differences, whereas "possibly the same" leaves the question of identity open.