practically identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are very similar or nearly the same in appearance, function, or characteristics. Example: "The two designs are practically identical, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So practically identical, then.

The Guardian - Opinion

McConnell has taken practically identical positions.

The New Yorker

They are practically identical with British regulations".

The Guardian

Why were their shibboleths – transparency, democracy, jobs – all practically identical?

The Guardian - Opinion

The logic of the banks is practically identical.

The New Yorker

All of these are practically identical with the received text.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Comparative Na content in the other variants was practically identical.

Advances in Space Research

Chronopotentiometry and voltammetry yielded practically identical results for DPb II).

Electrochimica Acta

In real terms this is practically identical with the concept of production.

Britannica

The president rejected a practically identical offer in December, prompting a record 35-day shutdown.

The New York Times

The first response to the multitude of practically identical transactions was the standardization of contracts.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing objects, processes, or systems, "practically identical" is used to suggest there are no important, noticeable differences.

Common error

Avoid using "practically identical" when significant differences are present. Overstating the similarity can mislead your audience, especially when precision is required. It is important to make clear what are the similarities and eventual differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically identical" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to modify a noun by expressing a high degree of similarity. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates that two or more things are very much alike, almost to the point of being indistinguishable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practically identical" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express a high degree of similarity between two or more things. As Ludwig AI highlighted, it's grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, from science to news and media. While it suggests a close resemblance, it allows for minor differences that don't significantly alter the overall comparison. To get a better idea of the usage contexts, you can also take a look at some semantically related words like "virtually the same" or "almost equivalent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually the same

Emphasizes a very close similarity, almost to the point of being indistinguishable.

nearly indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in discerning any differences between the items being compared.

almost equivalent

Focuses on the functional equivalence of the items, even if minor differences exist.

essentially alike

Indicates a fundamental similarity in nature or essence.

tantamount to

Suggests that the items are equal in effect or value.

much the same

A more casual way of expressing a high degree of similarity.

for all intents and purposes the same

Highlights that any differences are irrelevant in a practical sense.

akin to

Implies a resemblance or similarity in quality or character.

comparable to

States that two or more things are similar and can be compared.

analogous to

Suggests a similarity in some respects between things otherwise dissimilar.

FAQs

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

You can use "practically identical" to describe two or more things that are very similar but not completely the same. For example, "The two models are "practically identical", with only minor cosmetic differences."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "practically identical"?

Alternatives to "practically identical" include "virtually the same", "nearly indistinguishable", or "almost equivalent". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "practically identical" in formal writing?

Yes, "practically identical" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or business contexts where precise language is important. It conveys a high degree of similarity while acknowledging potential minor differences.

What is the difference between "practically identical" and "exactly the same"?

"Exactly the same" implies a complete and total match, whereas "practically identical" suggests a very high degree of similarity but allows for the possibility of minor, insignificant differences. If you're comparing alternatives to "practically identical", is important to remind this minor allowance of differences between similar things.