stayed exactly the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stayed exactly the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something has not changed at all over a period of time. Example: "Despite the many challenges we faced, our core values stayed exactly the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It stayed exactly the same.

The New York Times - Arts

Can you name another fashion product whose price has stayed exactly the same for ten years?

Harvard Business Review

They stayed exactly the same all the way through and I just added a third verse.

The Guardian

But in the best way possible, Knuckles had stayed exactly the same.

The Guardian - Music

I stayed exactly the same weight but, oddly and unwantedly, my bodyfat percentage increased: from 12.4% to 13.5%.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's bizarre and unclear how this happened, as they appear to have stayed exactly the same age as before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It has to stay exactly the same.

The New Yorker

"But the emotional state stays exactly the same.

The Guardian

"It doesn't have to stay exactly the same".

The New York Times - Food

"Whatever the temperature is doing outside," says Woolley, "the temperature inside stays exactly the same".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or maybe I'll stay exactly the same, forever 20 in my mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stayed exactly the same" when you want to emphasize the lack of change despite potential expectations or external factors that might suggest otherwise.

Common error

Avoid using "stayed exactly the same" when a minor change has occurred. "Exactly" implies a complete absence of variation; using it inaccurately weakens your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stayed exactly the same" functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It describes the state of a subject, indicating that it has not changed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stayed exactly the same" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize a lack of change. Ludwig AI affirms its proper use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While not exceptionally frequent, it serves to highlight the absence of alteration despite potential expectations or influencing factors. When writing, it is beneficial to use alternatives such as "remained unchanged" for a more formal tone or to provide additional clarity regarding what is being compared. When you want to make a comparison between subjective and objective characteristics, ensure that you're not overstating something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained completely unchanged

Replaces "stayed" with "remained" and adds "completely" for emphasis.

stayed precisely identical

Substitutes "exactly the same" with "precisely identical" for a more formal tone.

did not alter at all

Emphasizes the lack of change using "did not alter" instead of "stayed the same".

held constant

Uses a more concise and technical term to indicate no change.

maintained the same condition

Highlights the continuation of a specific condition or status.

preserved its original state

Focuses on the preservation of the original condition.

exhibited no variation

Employs a more scientific and formal vocabulary to express the absence of change.

continued without any modifications

Underlines the absence of modifications or alterations.

kept its uniform appearance

Emphasizes that the visual aspect has not changed.

was virtually indistinguishable

Highlights that it's hard to tell if anything changed, or not.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "stayed exactly the same" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "remained unchanged", "held constant", or "maintained the same condition". These options provide a more professional and precise nuance.

Is it better to use "stayed exactly the same" or "remained the same"?

Both "stayed exactly the same" and "remained the same" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Stayed exactly the same" emphasizes a lack of change despite potential influences, while "remained the same" simply indicates a continuation of the existing state. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

What does "stayed exactly the same" imply about potential expectations?

Using "stayed exactly the same" often implies that there might have been an expectation of change or variation. It highlights that despite circumstances that could have caused alterations, a particular aspect or condition did not change. If there were no expectations of change, a simpler phrase like "was the same" might be more appropriate.

Can "stayed exactly the same" be used for subjective qualities or only for measurable quantities?

"Stayed exactly the same" can be used for both subjective qualities and measurable quantities, but its application to subjective qualities requires careful consideration. For subjective qualities, ensure there's a clear basis for comparison, such as consistent observations or documented opinions. For measurable quantities, ensure precise measurements confirm the lack of change.