really the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "really the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two things are indeed identical or equivalent in some way. Example: "Many people believe that these two theories are really the same as each other, despite their different terminologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thinking is really the same as seeing".

The New York Times

"They're really the same as money".

The New York Times

"For me, slow journalism is really the same as documentary.

The Guardian - Arts

"It's really the same as the beef from Argentina".

The New York Times - Food

IS being forewarned really the same as being forearmed?

The New York Times

It's not really the same as the problem that we've been looking at up here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it's really exactly the same as the chemistry experiment you all just went through.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Are pro bono cases really treated the same as other cases when assigning work?

Cornell University

The bus is so slow, said Mr. Rougley, "It's really almost the same as walking".

The New York Times

That's it, I think – it really is the same as romantic dating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's really not the same as just saying it," she replies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing items using "really the same as", ensure that the context clearly supports the comparison. Avoid using it when comparing items that share only superficial similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "really the same as" when the items being compared have significant differences. This phrase implies near-perfect equivalence, so ensure this aligns with reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "really the same as" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to assert a strong degree of equivalence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase emphasizes that two things are, in fact, identical or equivalent in some way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "really the same as" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong equivalence between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize that any perceived differences are insignificant. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also has a presence in academic and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely supports a near-perfect equivalence to avoid overstating similarities. For situations requiring nuanced comparison, consider alternatives like "essentially equivalent to" or "virtually identical to". Understanding its purpose and register allows for effective communication across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much the same as

This conveys a high degree of similarity but allows for minor differences.

essentially equivalent to

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental similarity or equivalence between two things.

virtually identical to

This highlights that the items are so alike that the differences are negligible.

practically indistinguishable from

This conveys that telling the difference between the two is nearly impossible in practice.

tantamount to

This suggests that the items are equal in effect or value.

akin to

This indicates a resemblance or similarity without implying exact equivalence.

on par with

This suggests that the items are of equal standing or quality.

just like

This conveys that the items are alike in manner or nature.

comparable to

This highlights that the items can be fairly compared, often implying similar characteristics.

analogous to

This points out a similarity that allows for an analogy to be drawn.

FAQs

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

You can use "really the same as" to emphasize the equivalence between two things. For example, "For me, slow journalism is "really the same as" documentary."

What phrases can I use instead of "really the same as"?

Alternatives include "essentially equivalent to", "virtually identical to", or "tantamount to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "really the same as" in formal writing?

Yes, "really the same as" is acceptable in formal writing, though alternatives like "essentially equivalent to" might be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "really the same as" and "similar to"?

"Really the same as" indicates a very high degree of equivalence, while "similar to" suggests a resemblance without implying complete identity. "Really the same as" suggests that the two items are almost interchangeable.