practically the same size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically the same size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two objects or entities that are very similar in size, but not exactly the same. Example: "The two boxes are practically the same size, making them easy to stack together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Heel to toe, their feet were practically the same size.

The New Yorker

Besides, we're practically the same size.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By comparison, an ink drawing on paper of the same size costs practically nothing because ink and paper cost very little.

Huffington Post

The little black stick measures about 2 by 0.5 by 0.2 inches and weighs practically nothing (0.23 ounces), and its standard earbud is about the same size as the newer version of the white iPod earbuds.

TechCrunch

We the same size.

The New Yorker

They're the same size".

The New York Times

He's the same size.

The New York Times - Sports

The court's the same size.

The New York Times - Sports

We all have the same size desks.

The New York Times

Competing vans are about the same size.

The New York Times

Slice the persimmons the same size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically the same size" to imply functional equivalence, meaning the slight size variation does not affect how the items are used or perceived.

Common error

Avoid using "practically the same size" when describing items that are visibly different in size. This phrase suggests a near-identical match, and misusing it can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically the same size" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically describing objects or entities. It indicates that the items being compared are very similar in size, though not necessarily identical. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically the same size" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for indicating a near-identical match in size. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's appropriate when items are very similar, but not exactly the same. Use it to imply functional equivalence or to suggest that any size variation is unimportant. Common contexts include News & Media, Wiki, and Science. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "virtually identical in size" or "almost the same dimensions" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid using this phrase if the size difference is readily apparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually identical in size

Emphasizes the near-perfect similarity in size.

effectively the same size

Implies that any size difference is negligible for practical purposes.

almost the same dimensions

Focuses on the dimensional aspect of size, implying a close match.

nearly equal in size

Highlights the equivalence in size, suggesting a minor difference.

about the same size

A more casual way to express that sizes are close.

roughly the same size

Indicates an approximate similarity in size, allowing for more variation.

not much different in size

States that the size difference is small or insignificant.

comparable in size

Suggests that the sizes are similar enough for comparison.

of similar proportions

Emphasizes the overall proportions being alike, rather than just one dimension.

in the same ballpark size-wise

An informal expression indicating sizes are in the same range.

FAQs

How can I use "practically the same size" in a sentence?

You can use "practically the same size" to compare two objects that are very close in size. For example, "The two rooms are "practically the same size", so either one would work as an office."

What's the difference between "practically the same size" and "exactly the same size"?

"Practically the same size" indicates a very close similarity, while "exactly the same size" means there is no difference whatsoever. If there's any measurable difference, "practically the same size" is more appropriate.

Which is a better alternative to "practically the same size": "almost the same size" or "virtually the same size"?

Both "almost the same size" and "virtually the same size" are good alternatives, but "virtually the same size" implies an even closer match than "almost the same size."

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

Yes, "practically the same size" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly technical contexts where precision is crucial, consider using more specific measurements instead.