roughly the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that two or more items, concepts, or ideas are similar or comparable in a general sense, without being exact. Example: "While the two theories differ in some aspects, they are roughly the same thing in terms of their overall conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

That's roughly the same thing, isn't it?

The Guardian - Film

Roughly the same thing happened last April in Falluja.

The New York Times

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said roughly the same thing in her dissent.

The New York Times

"And yet people believe it means roughly the same thing everywhere.

The Guardian

Did Lloyd Blankfein know that Goldman was doing roughly the same thing?

The New Yorker

It's that thousands of prospective Americans were doing roughly the same thing at the same time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Despite some variations, their exercise programs offer roughly the same things.

The New York Times

"Secret," in this sense, means roughly the same things as "embarrassment".

The New Yorker

There are scores of textbooks about the history of mathematics too, many of which could tell you roughly the same things that Bellos's book covers.

The Guardian

Furthermore, a summer-long leadership election, where all the candidates look the same, sound the same, believe roughly the same things (and actually played football together as young policy advisers under New Labour) is scarcely likely to engage the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The problem is he's asking for roughly the same things President Bush asked for and President Bush didn't get them, not because he was a boorish diplomat or a cowboy," Peter Feaver, a former adviser to Bush now at Duke University, told the New York Times in 2009.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly the same thing" when you want to convey that two or more items, ideas, or situations share key characteristics without being exactly identical. This phrasing is suitable for general communication where precision is not critical.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly the same thing" when you actually mean that items are identical. Overstating the similarity can mislead your audience and weaken your argument, especially in contexts requiring precision such as scientific reports or legal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly the same thing" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of approximate equivalence or similarity. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe actions, concepts, or qualities that share key characteristics without being identical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roughly the same thing" is a common phrase used to express approximate equivalence or similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "essentially the same" or "virtually identical" might be more appropriate in formal or technical contexts, "roughly the same thing" serves well in general communication where exact precision is not required. It's important to avoid using it when items are, in fact, identical to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use this phrase to convey meaning without misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more or less the same

Indicates a slight degree of variation or uncertainty compared to "roughly the same thing".

essentially the same

Emphasizes the fundamental similarity, downplaying minor differences more than "roughly the same thing".

virtually identical

Suggests an extremely high degree of similarity, approaching complete equivalence, more than "roughly the same thing".

much the same

A shorter, more informal way to indicate similarity, similar to "roughly the same thing".

pretty much the same

Informal phrasing that indicates a high degree of similarity, similar to "roughly the same thing".

in the same ballpark

Idiomatic expression indicating approximate equivalence, often used for numerical or quantitative comparisons compared to "roughly the same thing".

more or less equivalent

Uses "equivalent" for a formal tone and slightly more emphasis on correspondence.

largely similar

Highlights the overall similarity, but allows for some distinct differences, less precise than "roughly the same thing".

comparable

Implies similarity for the purpose of comparison; suitable when evaluating similarities, less emphatic than "roughly the same thing".

along similar lines

Indicates a similarity in direction or approach, rather than exact equivalence, less direct than "roughly the same thing".

FAQs

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

You can use "roughly the same thing" to indicate that two or more things are similar but not identical. For example: "While the two approaches differ slightly, they achieve "roughly the same thing" in the end."

What can I say instead of "roughly the same thing"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially the same", "more or less the same", or "pretty much the same" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "roughly the same thing" in formal writing?

While "roughly the same thing" is widely understood, it may be considered less formal than alternatives like "essentially the same" or "virtually identical" which might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

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

"Roughly the same thing" implies a level of approximation or similarity, whereas "exactly the same thing" indicates complete and precise identity. Use ""roughly the same thing"" when there are minor differences that don't significantly alter the overall outcome or meaning.