primarily the same

USAGE SUMMARY

Using the phrase “primarily the same” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has similar, though not identical, features or characteristics when compared to something else. For example, “Even though there are a few minor differences, these two products are primarily the same.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Ms. Hook rejected the conventional wisdom that broadband service is primarily the same as slower, dial-up service, without all the annoying delays.

The New York Times

Unfortunately for the team, however, the result was that Formula One ended up with three new low-budget teams in a series that was primarily the same as it had always been: The winners had budgets of hundreds of millions of dollars, the others had a fraction of that money, and the technical rules were the same for all.

The New York Times - Sports

The gating network scheme is primarily the same as the mixture expert scheme.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Stagnation occurs in the GA when eventually all the individuals possess primarily the same genetic code.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

However, what is notable about sexual orientation is that its formation and structure is primarily the same for all people, regardless of the type of orientation one develops.

Huffington Post

We have been in denial, and especially for those of us who came up through religious communities, and maybe even had relationships with churches of not primarily the same racial makeup, or glad-handed or even genuinely welcomed the non-white visitors who stopped into our churches, we're finally looking at how much more needs to be done.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Derived from the Latin word follis, for bag, the hair follicle is the complex pouch-like structure from which grows hair, ground out like so much sausage and composed primarily of the same dead keratin that makes up nails.

The New York Times - Health

Spencer's crimesolver will surely use her cellphone, but is it too much to ask that she rely primarily on the same shoeleather and wry intuition that made Jessica Fletcher so popular?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While Mr. Lautenberg has focused his campaign primarily on the same domestic issues he ticked off today, Mr. Forrester has continued to stress national security and defense themes and to accuse Mr. Lautenberg of opposing key defense measures in Congress.

The New York Times

That more or less leaves the United States as a Champagne alternative in which the sparkling wines are made primarily from the same grapes as Champagne, and the wines are less expensive.

The New York Times - Food

Promoting the interests of such groups as farmers, environmentalists, urban labourers, ethnic and religious minorities, and people afflicted with AIDS, these NGOs drew their membership primarily from the same educated middle-class people who had joined the student movements of the 1970s and had succeeded in challenging military rule in May 1992.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily the same", ensure that you clarify the specific aspects that are similar, as well as any notable differences. This provides a balanced and accurate description.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily the same" when the differences are significant or outweigh the similarities. In such cases, it's more accurate to describe the key differences and avoid implying a greater degree of sameness than exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily the same" functions as a qualifier, specifying that two or more entities share significant similarities while acknowledging minor differences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily the same" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe entities sharing notable similarities, with minor differences acknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is found across different contexts like science, news, and business, signaling a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you clarify the specific similarities and differences to provide a balanced and accurate description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely identical

Focuses on the extent of similarity, suggesting a high degree of overlap with minor differences.

mostly equivalent

Emphasizes the functional equivalence despite potential minor variations.

essentially similar

Highlights the fundamental similarity while acknowledging superficial differences.

broadly comparable

Suggests a general similarity that allows for meaningful comparison, even with some distinctions.

for the most part alike

Indicates that the majority of aspects are similar, with exceptions existing.

fundamentally uniform

Stresses the underlying uniformity despite possible surface-level variations.

chiefly analogous

Points out the analogical relationship between things, despite some inherent differences.

generally consistent

Highlights consistency in behavior or characteristics, allowing for minor inconsistencies.

mainly corresponding

Emphasizes the correspondence in the characteristics of the two entities, even if there are some non-corresponding components.

largely harmonious

Indicates agreement or consonance in aspects, with acknowledgement of minor variations.

FAQs

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

You can use "primarily the same" to indicate that two or more things share the most important qualities or characteristics. For example: "Although there are some design variations, the underlying technology is primarily the same."

What is a good alternative to "primarily the same"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "essentially similar", "largely identical", or "mostly equivalent".

Is it better to say "primarily the same" or "exactly the same"?

"Primarily the same" suggests that the items are mostly alike with some minor differences. "Exactly the same" implies complete identity in all aspects. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of similarity.

What's the difference between "primarily the same" and "generally the same"?

"Primarily the same" focuses on the core or main aspects being similar, while "generally the same" suggests that the overall impression or characteristics are similar. The first emphasizes the most important components, whereas the second conveys a more encompassing similarity.