quite the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that two or more things are exactly alike. For example, "Her sister's painting was quite the same as the one she had made last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not quite the same.

The New York Times

"You're never quite the same.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not quite the same.

The New York Times

He would never be quite the same.

The New York Times - Arts

It won't be quite the same".

Independent

Yeah, not quite the same buzz.

The New York Times

But nothing was quite the same afterwards".

Independent

"The atmosphere is not quite the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing has been quite the same.

The New Yorker

Video games are not quite the same".

Independent

Not everything was quite the same, though.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite the same" to highlight a noticeable lack of equivalence between two subjects, ensuring clarity in your comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "quite the same" when the difference is minimal; opt for phrases like "nearly identical" to reflect more subtle distinctions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite the same" functions as a qualifier, indicating a noticeable but not necessarily drastic difference between two or more things. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite the same" is a versatile qualifier used to indicate a noticeable difference between items being compared. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, appearing predominantly in news and media contexts. While indicating a degree of similarity, it highlights that a distinction exists. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and degree of difference you wish to convey. While there exist alternative phrases, such as "fairly the same" or "substantially the same", "quite the same" offers a unique nuance by acknowledging both similarity and difference. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad array of written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly the same

Indicates a near equivalence, but leaves room for minor differences.

substantially the same

Suggests that the core aspects are identical, but details may diverge.

largely the same

Emphasizes that the majority is similar, allowing for notable exceptions.

basically the same

Implies a fundamental similarity, despite potential superficial variations.

essentially the same

Highlights that the core nature is identical, notwithstanding some changes.

virtually the same

Indicates an almost perfect match, with only negligible differences.

almost identical

Highlights a very high degree of similarity, stopping just short of exactness.

not unlike

Suggests a strong resemblance, using a double negative for emphasis.

bears a resemblance

Focuses on the shared characteristics or features between two things.

shares similarities

Highlights the common aspects, but suggests some distinctions may also exist.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite the same" to indicate that something is noticeably different from something else. For example, "The sequel wasn't "quite the same" as the original movie."

What is the difference between "quite the same" and "exactly the same"?

"Quite the same" implies a discernible difference, while "exactly the same" means there is no difference whatsoever.

What are some alternatives to "quite the same"?

Alternatives include "fairly the same", "substantially the same", or "largely the same", depending on the degree of difference you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to follow "quite the same" with "as"?

While not always mandatory, using "as" after "quite the same" often enhances clarity, especially when making a direct comparison: "It's not "quite the same as" I remember."