says the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"says the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a person has expressed the same opinion or idea in different words. For example: "He said it differently, but it essentially says the same thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pulte says the same thing about Lennar.

The New York Times

Nearly everyone says the same thing.

The New York Times

The Reserve Bank says the same thing.

The Guardian

"Camille Paglia says the same thing".

The Guardian - Books

He says the same thing every time".

The Guardian - Sport

Of course, AFGE President John Gage says the same thing.

The Washington Post

Ted Selker of MIT says the same thing.

The Guardian

Urban basically says the same thing in different language.

The Washington Post

He says the same thing to me when we meet.

The Times

Everybody I speak to says the same thing".

The New York Times

It is not relevant!' My sister says the same thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes who is saying the same thing and what the common message or idea is. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the significance of the repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "says the same thing" when the speakers are merely discussing the same topic but expressing different views. The phrase should only be applied when there is genuine alignment in the core message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "says the same thing" functions as a concise way to indicate agreement or concurrence between different sources or individuals. It highlights that, despite potential differences in wording or presentation, the fundamental message or viewpoint remains consistent, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "says the same thing" is a versatile expression used to denote agreement or consistency across different sources. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media and Academic contexts. While suitable for various situations, it's important to ensure genuine alignment in the core message when using this phrase. For more formal settings, alternatives like "expresses the same sentiment" may be preferred. The prevalence of this phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and general acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expresses the same sentiment

Focuses on the shared feeling or attitude conveyed.

echoes the same idea

Implies a resonating or reflective similarity in thought.

conveys the same message

Emphasizes the similarity in the core information being communicated.

voices the same opinion

Highlights the agreement in personal views or beliefs.

reiterates the point

Stresses the act of repeating a specific detail or argument.

repeats the statement

Highlights the act of verbatim replication of a previous assertion.

affirms the same belief

Underscores a concurrence in conviction or faith.

corroborates the claim

Suggests support or confirmation of a previously made assertion.

endorses the view

Implies a formal or explicit agreement with a particular perspective.

agrees with the statement

Indicates concurrence or alignment with a specific declaration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "says the same thing" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "expresses the same sentiment", "conveys the same message", or "voices the same opinion" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it correct to use "says the same thing" in academic writing?

Yes, "says the same thing" is acceptable, but for enhanced clarity and formality in academic writing, consider alternatives like "corroborates the claim" or "affirms the same belief".

What's the difference between "says the same thing" and "repeats the statement"?

"Says the same thing" implies a general agreement or similar message, while "repeats the statement" indicates a verbatim repetition. The former focuses on the idea, the latter on the exact wording.

Can "says the same thing" be used when sources have different wording but the same core message?

Yes, "says the same thing" is appropriate when different sources use varying language but ultimately "convey the same message" or idea. The emphasis is on the shared understanding or conclusion.