precisely the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precisely the same" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you're comparing two or more things and want to emphasize their similarity. Example: The two pieces of furniture were precisely the same in terms of size and color.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This year you can do precisely the same.

The New York Times

Preferably in precisely the same form.

The Guardian - Opinion

Past colonial powers did precisely the same.

The New York Times

Many Republicans have precisely the same feeling.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's precisely the same as in therapy.

The Guardian - Books

Clough would have done precisely the same.

The Guardian - Sport

But they did not involve precisely the same issues.

The New York Times

Sometimes they can be caught in precisely the same pose.

The New York Times - Arts

"Integrity" and "hatchet" aren't precisely the same thing.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Danny Boyle's film continues in precisely the same vein.

The Guardian - Film

And, for precisely the same reason, he was later resented.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "precisely the same" to emphasize that two or more things are not just similar but virtually indistinguishable in some specified aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "precisely the same" when you mean 'similar' or 'nearly the same'. "Precisely" implies an exact correspondence, so using it for approximations undermines your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precisely the same" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that two or more entities are identical in a particular aspect. It emphasizes the exactness of the similarity. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "precisely the same" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to indicate exact equivalence between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and widely accepted across diverse contexts, with prominent usage in news and media. While alternatives like "exactly the same" exist, "precisely the same" often suggests a higher degree of accuracy. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is indeed exact, avoiding its misuse for approximate similarities. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "precisely the same" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exactly the same

Uses "exactly" instead of "precisely", offering a slight variation in emphasis on the identical nature.

identically the same

Emphasizes the identical nature using the adverb "identically".

the very same

Implies a specific, almost emphatic identity, often used to highlight a unique instance.

completely identical

Replaces "the same" with "completely identical", reinforcing the idea of perfect likeness.

absolutely identical

Uses "absolutely" to stress the identical nature of the items.

perfectly equivalent

Shifts from identity to functional equivalence, suggesting that the items serve the same purpose.

entirely similar

Implies a comprehensive likeness, although it allows for minor differences.

virtually identical

Indicates a likeness that is so close as to be almost indistinguishable.

effectively equivalent

Focuses on practical equivalence, highlighting that the items produce the same outcome.

of one accord

Emphasizes uniformity in agreement or sentiment, differing in meaning from identical items, but related on the same subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "precisely the same" to indicate that two or more things are identical in a specific way. For example, "The measurements were "exactly the same" for both samples".

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

Alternatives include "exactly the same", "identically the same", or "the very same", depending on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "exactly the same" and "precisely the same"?

While both phrases indicate identity, "precisely the same" often implies a higher degree of accuracy or meticulousness than "exactly the same". The choice depends on the context and the intended nuance.

When should I avoid using "precisely the same"?

Avoid using "precisely the same" when you mean 'similar' or 'nearly the same'. If there are any measurable differences, even slight ones, it's better to use a phrase that indicates approximation rather than exactness.