really identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really identical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the degree of similarity between two or more things, suggesting that they are not just similar, but truly the same in every aspect. Example: "The two paintings are really identical; you can hardly tell them apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Thus, when Paul affirms that essence and being are really identical and formally different, he simply restates the thesis of the real identity and formal distinction between universals and individuals that was typical of the Realists of the late Middle Ages.

SEP

But are Hicks's kingdom paintings really identical?

The New York Times - Arts

But nomenclature aside, are the sandwiches really identical?

The New York Times - Food

Were they really identical to embryonic stem cells and so a worthy replacement?

The Guardian

Or the article in The Philadelphia Daily News about two identical — really identical — twins leading Jules Mastbaum Tech.

The New York Times - Sports

Who was he? His name, a helpful park service historian told me, was not really identical to mine; he was Robert William, and I am Raymond Walter.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

As a consequence, the chief feature of Paul's theory of the complexe significabile is his claim that the adequate significate of a proposition is really identical-to and somehow (and more precisely, formally) distinct-from what is signifiable by the subject-term and/or the predicate-term alone (ibidem, p. 156).

SEP

The study differs from the painting in the placement of foreground cows but otherwise is really almost identical.

The New York Times

But we have a special technique, where we can pretty much statistically ensure that these exams are really of identical difficulty.

Cornell University

For example, will the duties of an account manager at Amalgamated Widgets really be identical to the role of the account manager at Unified Widgets?

The Guardian

Murray, a practising Catholic, consulted various religious leaders to discuss the ethical implications of transplant, and, to check that the brothers really were identical, called on the Boston police department, who took their fingerprints and confirmed that they were.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items, ensure that the context supports the strong claim of "really identical". Consider if 'almost identical' or 'nearly identical' might be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "really identical" when the items being compared have noticeable differences. Overstating the similarity can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for more nuanced descriptions like 'very similar' or "largely identical".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really identical" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It is used to strengthen the meaning of "identical", emphasizing the degree to which two or more things are the same.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really identical" serves to underscore a strong similarity between two or more entities. While grammatically sound and prevalent in diverse contexts—especially within Science and News & Media—it's essential to wield it judiciously, ensuring that the extent of sameness genuinely aligns with the objects being compared. As Ludwig AI indicates, "really identical" is considered correct. By adhering to best practices and sidestepping common pitfalls, one can effectively harness the phrase to add precision and impact to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

truly the same

Emphasizes the authenticity and genuineness of the sameness.

exactly alike

Highlights the precision and accuracy of the similarity.

indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to perceive any differences.

virtually the same

Suggests a negligible difference between the items.

essentially identical

Implies that the core aspects are the same despite minor variations.

completely equivalent

Indicates a perfect match in function or value.

precisely similar

Highlights the exactness of the correspondence.

perfectly matched

Stresses the flawless alignment and correspondence.

absolutely equivalent

Stresses the equivalence, leaving no doubt that those are basically interchangeable.

wholly similar

Indicates complete and total similarity.

FAQs

How can I use "really identical" in a sentence?

Use "really identical" to emphasize that two things are virtually indistinguishable. For example, "The two reports were "essentially identical", showing the same results".

What are some alternatives to using "really identical"?

You can use phrases like "exactly the same", "indistinguishable", or "virtually identical" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "really identical" in formal writing?

Yes, "really identical" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the high degree of similarity. However, ensure that the context genuinely warrants such a strong claim; otherwise, consider more moderate alternatives.

What's the difference between "really identical" and "almost identical"?

"Really identical" suggests that the items are practically the same with no significant differences. "Almost identical", on the other hand, indicates that there are minor differences but the items are largely similar. The choice depends on the accuracy you want to convey.