practically the same amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically the same amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities that are very similar or nearly equal, often in informal contexts. Example: "The two containers hold practically the same amount of liquid, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We are continuing to have practically the same amount of buyers and sellers as before the crisis".

The New York Times

Hence, the term a λ in eq. (12) decreases by practically the same amount as the term ∂ λ ∂ a increases and the effect is cancelled out.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And it is this small development, this apparently small, almost insignificant, added capability which makes it possible to go through and laugh at so many Vines instead of practically living on YouTube for the same amount of laughter.

Huffington Post

Newt Gingrich has spent about the same amount.

The New York Times

It does the same amount of damage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Next year will bring the same amount.

The New York Times

Festivals took around the same amount.

The Economist

"Everyone should have the same amount".

The New York Times

With exactly the same amount of fun".

The New York Times

"In reality, it's the same amount".

The New York Times - Sports

They had done exactly the same amount".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "virtually identical" if a more precise equivalence is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "practically the same amount" when there are significant differences, as it can mislead readers. Reserve it for cases where the difference is negligible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically the same amount" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or quantity of something, indicating that it is nearly equal to another quantity. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practically the same amount" is a useful way to describe quantities that are nearly equal, acknowledging a minor difference without emphasizing it. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically sound and common phrase. While suitable for various contexts, more precise language might be preferable in formal writing. Remember to clarify what "amount" refers to for clarity. Consider synonyms such as "virtually the same quantity" or "nearly equal volume" for greater precision, and avoid overstating equivalence when differences are significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually the same quantity

Replaces "practically" with "virtually", suggesting a very close approximation.

nearly equal volume

Substitutes "practically the same" with "nearly equal" and "amount" with "volume", focusing on the similarity in size or capacity.

almost identical portion

Replaces "practically the same" with "almost identical" and "amount" with "portion", emphasizing the similarity in share or serving.

substantially equivalent measure

Uses "substantially equivalent" instead of "practically the same", conveying a significant degree of sameness in measurement.

roughly comparable quantity

Replaces "practically the same" with "roughly comparable", indicating an approximate similarity in number or amount.

effectively the same magnitude

Substitutes "practically" with "effectively" and "amount" with "magnitude", highlighting a similar scale or importance.

in effect, the same sum

Replaces "practically" with "in effect" and "amount" with "sum", focusing on the total or aggregate being nearly identical.

tantamount to the same degree

Uses "tantamount to" instead of "practically the same", indicating an equivalent effect or result.

for all intents and purposes, the same quantity

Emphasizes the equivalence under most considerations by using "for all intents and purposes".

to all practical purposes, the same measure

Highlights practical equivalence with a slight shift in emphasis.

FAQs

What does "practically the same amount" mean?

The phrase "practically the same amount" indicates that two or more quantities are very close to each other, almost equal, but not necessarily exactly the same. The difference between them is negligible or insignificant in the given context.

Are there synonyms for "practically the same amount"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "virtually the same quantity", "nearly equal volume", or "almost identical portion" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "practically the same amount" in formal writing?

While "practically the same amount" is understandable, formal writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider using alternatives like "substantially equivalent measure" or providing specific numerical data if available.

How does "practically the same amount" differ from "exactly the same amount"?

"Practically the same amount" implies a slight difference exists, while "exactly the same amount" indicates perfect equality. Use "practically" when the difference is unimportant; use "exactly" when precision is critical.