really the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are indeed identical or very similar in nature or quality. Example: "Although they look different, they are really the same in terms of functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're really the same thing.

The Economist

It's not really the same.

Independent

"It's really the same thing".

The New Yorker

They're really the same game.

Yale University

Thinking is really the same as seeing".

The New York Times

Are they really the same?

The Guardian - Tech

Are matter and antimatter really the same?

University of California, Berkeley

So, these things are really the same.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It's really the same thing as visors".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Is Listening to Audio Books Really the Same as Reading?

Forbes

New tests, compressions of existing ones that are "different" but really the same.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "really the same" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected equivalence between two things. It adds a touch of informal emphasis to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "really the same" in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "essentially identical" or "practically equivalent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really the same" functions as a predicate adjective, emphasizing the similarity or equivalence between two subjects. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it's used to assert that things are alike in some significant way, even if they might appear different on the surface. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase clarifies that seemingly distinct concepts are, in essence, identical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "really the same" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the equivalence or strong similarity between two things. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news, media, and academic contexts, serving to clarify, simplify, or draw unexpected connections. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings, with more formal alternatives available for highly professional or technical writing. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its acceptability and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially identical

Replaces 'really the same' with a more formal and emphatic expression of identity.

virtually indistinguishable

Highlights the difficulty in discerning any difference between the items being compared.

practically equivalent

Indicates that the items are equal in practical terms, though perhaps not in every theoretical sense.

one and the same

A more emphatic and traditional way of stating that two things are actually the same thing.

tantamount to

Suggests that the items being compared are equal in their effect or value.

effectively similar

Emphasizes the practical similarity while allowing for minor differences.

much alike

A simpler, less emphatic way of expressing similarity.

almost identical

Acknowledges a very slight difference, but stresses the high degree of similarity.

broadly comparable

Implies that the items are similar enough for comparison, even if not perfectly matched.

roughly equivalent

Indicates an approximate rather than precise equivalence.

FAQs

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

You can use "really the same" to emphasize that two or more things are identical or very similar. For example: "Although the two models appear different, they are "really the same" in terms of functionality".

What can I say instead of "really the same"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially identical", "virtually indistinguishable", or "practically equivalent" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "really the same"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight a surprising or unexpected equivalence between two things, often in a conversational or informal context. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

What's the difference between "really the same" and "exactly the same"?

"Really the same" implies a strong similarity that might not be immediately obvious, while "exactly the same" indicates a perfect and undeniable match. "Exactly the same" leaves no room for interpretation, whereas ""really the same"" may allow for minor, negligible differences.