precisely alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely alike" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that two or more things are exactly the same in every detail. Example: "The twins looked precisely alike, making it difficult for their friends to tell them apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

No two figures were precisely alike.

The New York Times - Arts

No two were precisely alike in their details.

The New York Times

No two stomachs are precisely alike, and I know whereof I speak.

The New York Times

No two gamelans are tuned precisely alike; rather, each instrument is tuned to match the ensemble for which it is intended rather than to an external standard of pitch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But no two businesses are precisely alike and variances from RMA's data should be explained -- especially if yours is a niche business.

Huffington Post

Had he willed, he could have made us all into a single community or created all of us precisely alike (5:48), but he chose to create each one of us to be unique with our own thumb print, eye print, DNA, taste buds, belief buds, races, nations and ethnicities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Part of the appeal of the localist-artisanal creed, for certain liberals and conservatives alike, is precisely that it's anti-cosmopolitan, anti-corporate, anti-progress — an alternative to the creative destruction of capitalism.

The New Yorker

Vampires are presented as a kind of rival gang, or a competing corporate entity fighting for market share; each side hates the other precisely because they're so alike (though vampires dress like aging hipsters).

The New York Times - Books

But this is precisely where skeptics and antiskeptics alike go wrong, for K is false.

SEP

Not least the intimidating antics of managers and coaches whose maniacal gesturing and posturing transmits precisely the wrong messages to players and supporters alike.

The Guardian - Sport

It was precisely this that led his political masters and journalists alike to respect him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely alike" to emphasize that there are no discernible differences between the items or concepts being compared. This can add a layer of precision to your writing.

Common error

While "precisely alike" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "exactly the same" or "identical" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely alike" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to emphasize the complete and exact similarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "precisely alike" is a grammatically correct and usable way to express that two or more things are exactly the same in every detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for emphasizing the complete similarity between items or concepts. While primarily found in news and encyclopedic contexts, its formal tone suggests it should be used judiciously in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "exactly the same" or "perfectly identical" depending on the intended nuance. Using "precisely alike" adds a level of precision, but be mindful of the potential for sounding overly formal in informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly identical

This phrase intensifies the concept of being the same in every detail without any variation.

perfectly identical

Focuses on the flawless match between two or more items or entities.

completely the same

Emphasizes the absence of any differences whatsoever.

absolutely identical

Reinforces the idea of a complete and unwavering match.

indistinguishable

Highlights the inability to tell the difference between two or more things.

virtually the same

Indicates a very close resemblance with only minor differences.

mirror images

Implies a perfect reflection or duplication.

carbon copies

Suggests an exact reproduction, typically in a literal sense.

duplicates

Refers to items that are exact copies of each other.

uniform

Indicates consistency and lack of variation across multiple instances.

FAQs

How can I use "precisely alike" in a sentence?

You can use "precisely alike" to emphasize the complete similarity between two or more things. For instance, "The twins looked "precisely alike", making it hard to tell them apart".

What are some alternatives to "precisely alike"?

Alternatives include "exactly identical", "completely the same", or "perfectly identical", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "exactly alike" or "precisely alike"?

Both "exactly alike" and "precisely alike" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "precisely alike" adds a slightly more formal and emphatic tone compared to the more common "exactly alike".

Can "precisely alike" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "precisely alike" can be used to describe abstract concepts, though it's more frequently used for tangible items. For example, "Their philosophies were "precisely alike", leading to a strong alliance".