roughly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly the same" is a valid and useful phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or an object that remains relatively unchanged or is comparable to something else. For example, "The price of the car stayed roughly the same despite the tumultuous economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone pays roughly the same.

The New York Times

The cost is roughly the same.

Independent

They are roughly the same height.

The New Yorker

Her payments would stay roughly the same.

The New York Times

"Black Swan" has roughly the same story.

The New Yorker

They work in roughly the same way.

The New York Times - Tech

Pensions worked roughly the same way.

The New Yorker

He found they were roughly the same.

Stanford University

The rent would remain roughly the same.

The New York Times

All pack roughly the same punch.

The New York Times - Health

Scott, who looked roughly the same, nodded.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing numerical values, follow "roughly the same" with units or a specific context for clarity. For example, "The costs were roughly the same in both departments."

Common error

Avoid using "roughly the same" when there's a significant difference. This phrase implies a closeness that shouldn't be misleading. If the values are far apart, use a different descriptor like "different" or "varied."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly the same" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It indicates that two or more things are similar, though not necessarily identical. Ludwig shows its versatile use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "roughly the same" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate an approximate equivalence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific writing. While alternatives like "approximately equivalent" or "substantially similar" exist, "roughly the same" maintains a balance between informality and precision. Remember to use it when minor differences are acceptable but avoid overstating the equivalence. The phrase is used across numerous authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing similarity with a degree of imprecision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about the same

A simpler, more direct way of expressing similarity, often used in informal contexts.

approximately equivalent

Focuses on mathematical or measurable similarity.

much the same

Highlights a high degree of similarity with a simpler structure.

more or less identical

Suggests a very high degree of similarity, bordering on exactness.

substantially similar

Emphasizes the significant degree of likeness in essential aspects.

in the same ballpark

An informal expression indicating a similarity in range or amount.

near enough the same

A more colloquial phrasing to express approximate equality.

comparable to

Highlights the ability to compare two or more things due to their similarities.

of a similar nature

Focuses on shared characteristics or qualities.

along similar lines

Indicates a correspondence in approach or direction.

FAQs

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

Use "roughly the same" to indicate that two or more things are similar but not exactly identical. For example, "The two models performed at "about the same" level."

What phrases can I use instead of "roughly the same"?

Alternatives include "approximately equivalent", "substantially similar", or "in the same ballpark" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "almost the same" instead of "roughly the same"?

Yes, "almost the same" is a valid alternative. However, "roughly the same" often implies a less precise comparison than "almost the same", suggesting a greater margin of difference.

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

"Roughly the same" indicates an approximation or similarity, while "exactly the same" implies complete identity. Use "roughly" when minor differences exist and "exactly" when there are no differences.