somewhat the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'somewhat the same' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two or more things are similar in some respects, but not identical. For example, you could say "The two products are somewhat the same, but one is slightly cheaper than the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somewhat the same thing applies to China.

The Washington Post

Hawkweeds behave somewhat the same way.

The New York Times

Your purpose is somewhat the same.

The New York Times - Arts

DAISY DOWLING: Yeah, I actually had somewhat the same situation.

Harvard Business Review

It will have somewhat the same permanence a river has".

The New York Times

dmregrid and dmregrid2 perform the same basic operation in somewhat the same way.

Harvard University

You know, I pause, and Reunions are somewhat the same now.

Princeton University

real estate has somewhat the same standing here as savings accounts in the United States.

The New York Times

A viewer has somewhat the same feeling when looking at the fleeting world of Watteau.

The New York Times

Reynolds and American Brands share somewhat the same general swings in price movement.

The New York Times

For somewhat the same reasons, he has the most enthusiastic teenage following in the business.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat the same" to indicate a partial or moderate similarity, avoiding its use when things are nearly identical or completely different. This ensures accuracy and avoids misleading the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat the same" when describing items or concepts that are virtually identical. Overstating the similarity can dilute the impact of true distinctions and nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat the same" functions as a degree modifier combined with an adjective phrase. It modifies the adjective "same", indicating the extent of similarity between two or more things. Ludwig highlights the phrase's usage across diverse textual contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat the same" is a versatile expression used to indicate a moderate degree of similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse fields, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While suitable for neutral and moderately formal contexts, writers should use it judiciously to avoid overstating similarity. Alternatives like "largely similar" or "generally comparable" can provide greater precision depending on the context. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication and nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much the same

Conveys a high degree of similarity, almost identical.

generally comparable

Indicates that things can be equated for the purpose of comparison, despite some differences.

fairly alike

Expresses a notable degree of similarity.

largely similar

Implies that the majority of aspects are alike, with minor differences.

kind of similar

An informal way of expressing a moderate degree of similarity.

virtually identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, approaching complete equivalence.

remarkably close

Highlights a surprising degree of resemblance.

along similar lines

Indicates that the direction or approach is comparable.

broadly analogous

Suggests a similarity in function or structure, but not necessarily in all details.

more or less equivalent

Indicates near equivalence, with any differences being negligible.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat the same" to indicate a moderate degree of similarity between two or more things. For example, "The two approaches are "somewhat the same", but there are key differences in their implementation."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat the same"?

Alternatives to "somewhat the same" include "largely similar", "generally comparable", or "much the same", depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "somewhat the same" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat the same" is acceptable in formal writing, though it is more common in neutral or informal contexts. In more formal settings, you might consider using "substantially similar" or "broadly analogous".

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

"Somewhat the same" indicates a partial similarity, while "exactly the same" implies complete identity. If two things are "somewhat the same", they share some characteristics but are not identical. If they are exactly the same, there are no differences.