principally the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"principally the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that two or more things have a lot of similarities, but some small differences. For example, "The two designs are principally the same, but the colors are different."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It was a difficult process getting the states and territories to line up for a defamation regime that was principally the same across the wide brown land.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reductive distillation of 35S-sulfate to 35S-sulfide tracer is principally the same as for any other aqueous sulfur distillation, given proper safety measures required for the handling of radioactive materials are taken.

Geochemical Transactions

The instruments used are principally the same as used with the microsurgical technique.

Acta Neurochirurgica

The instruments used are principally the same as with the microsurgical technique.

Acta Neurochirurgica

The arthroscopic procedure of the knee joint is detailed below, and is principally the same for other joints.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

While the deconvolved images show principally the same fibrils, the enhanced resolution enables clear distinction of single fibrils.

BMC Plant Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The results imply that in primitive erythroid cells association of the actively transcribed γ-globin genes with the ACH principally remains the same in the absence of 5'HS5.

Plosone

Finally, confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with Live/Dead stain principally detects the same objects as fluorescence microscopy, although the sterical assignment of cells allows to deduce the presence of extracellular matrix.

Plosone

Mutations of these GAG synthesizing enzymes principally impair the same developmental pathways, namely those regulated by decapentaplegic, wingless, hedgehog, and fibroblast growth factor in Drosophila (Haltiwanger & Lowe 2004; Nishihara 2010; Yamamoto-Hino et al. 2012).

Genes to Cells

The yields obtained and appearance of each crude extract varied (Table 1), but showed clear differences in both the yields obtained within and between solvents and their appearances compared to that seen in the extracts from bee pollen (Table 1), despite being principally from the same plant source (Z. mays).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The mediastinum can be principally restaged by the same techniques as applied in primary staging.

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing complex systems or processes, "principally the same" helps to focus on overarching similarities, rather than getting bogged down in minor variations.

Common error

Avoid using "principally the same" when there are significant differences. Ensure the core aspects are truly alike to maintain credibility and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principally the same" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that two or more things share core similarities despite possible minor differences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principally the same" is used to convey that two or more things are largely equivalent, despite minor variations. It functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate shared core similarities. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Based on Ludwig's analysis, this phrase is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, making it suitable for professional and informative communication. When writing, it's best practice to use "principally the same" to focus on core similarities, while avoiding it when differences are significant.

Alternatives such as "largely identical", "mostly equivalent", and "substantially similar" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Understanding these subtle differences can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely identical

Emphasizes the extent of similarity, suggesting that differences are minor.

mostly equivalent

Indicates near equivalence, with possible negligible variations.

substantially similar

Highlights that the primary aspects are alike, even if some details differ.

essentially alike

Focuses on the fundamental likeness, downplaying superficial differences.

fundamentally comparable

Highlights the basic comparability, even if not exactly identical.

virtually indistinguishable

Suggests the differences are so small as to be almost unnoticeable.

comparable in the main

Points out that the main aspects are comparable, though there might be other differences.

broadly similar

Indicates general similarity without focusing on specific details.

in effect the same

Highlights that the practical outcome or result is the same.

for the most part identical

Emphasizes that identity holds in the majority of aspects.

FAQs

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

You can use "principally the same" to indicate that two things are mostly alike, with minor differences. For example, "The two methods are "principally the same", but one is faster".

What are some alternatives to "principally the same"?

Alternatives include "largely identical", "mostly equivalent", or "substantially similar", depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

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

"Principally the same" implies minor differences, while "exactly the same" means there are no differences. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of similarity.

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

"Principally the same" highlights core similarities despite some differences, while "generally the same" suggests a broader, less precise similarity. The subtle difference is "principally the same" emphasizes key, fundamental aspects being alike.