substantially similar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantially similar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when two things have enough in common that they can be considered analogous. For example, "The two works of art are substantially similar, though one is a painting and the other is a sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Jurors must decide whether the two sequences are substantially similar.

The Guardian - Music

The trust must also show the works are substantially similar.

The Guardian - Music

It also advised that state and territories "enact legislation with offences the same or substantially similar".

The Guardian

"Led Zeppelin toured with Spirit before they wrote a song that sounds substantially similar to Taurus.

The Guardian - Music

"Substantially similar?" said Deborah W. Denno, a law professor at Fordham University whose work was cited by the court.

The New York Times

"Substantially similar" was first used in last year's California Fair Pay Act, which targeted unequal pay between men and women.

The Guardian

"On the other hand, the economic consequences to Enron of these transactions were substantially similar to loans".

The New York Times

And is Stairway substantially similar to the Taurus sheet music submitted in 1968 to the US copyright office?

The Guardian - Music

Under the new code, those positions would likely be considered "substantially similar" and qualify for equal pay.

The Guardian

This year, Judge Wooten ruled, the city must keep a "substantially similar traffic pattern" for both events.

The New York Times

The opinion said a state with procedures "substantially similar to the protocol we uphold today" would pass muster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially similar", ensure you can articulate the specific aspects in which the items are alike. Providing concrete examples enhances clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially similar" when the items only share superficial resemblances. Reserve it for cases where the core attributes or functions are notably alike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially similar" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a significant degree of likeness or resemblance. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage implies that the items being compared share enough common attributes to be considered analogous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantially similar" is a versatile phrase used to denote a notable degree of resemblance between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing contexts, from formal reports to news articles. Its frequency of usage is very common. While it can be replaced with alternatives like "nearly identical" or "essentially alike", its precise meaning and impact depend heavily on the specific context. When employing this phrase, ensure that the similarities you highlight are both significant and clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually the same

This alternative emphasizes that the items are almost identical, with only minor differences.

nearly identical

This alternative emphasizes a very high degree of similarity, almost to the point of being the same.

essentially alike

This phrase suggests that the fundamental nature of the items is the same.

largely analogous

This alternative suggests that the items share significant similarities in function or structure.

much the same

A simpler way of saying the items are very similar.

closely resembles

This phrase highlights the visual or superficial similarities between two things.

markedly comparable

This alternative points out that the items can be readily compared due to their significant similarities.

functionally equivalent

This implies that the items perform the same function or serve the same purpose.

broadly equivalent

This indicates that the items are equal in value or effect, despite possible differences.

highly uniform

This phrase suggests that the items are consistent and without significant variation.

FAQs

How can I use "substantially similar" in a sentence?

You can use "substantially similar" to indicate that two or more things are alike in important ways. For example, "The economic consequences were "similar to" loans."

What does "substantially similar" mean in a legal context?

In law, "substantially similar" often refers to a degree of resemblance that suggests copying or infringement, especially in copyright cases. The key is whether an average person would recognize the similarity.

What can I say instead of "substantially similar"?

Alternatives include "nearly identical", "essentially alike", or "largely analogous", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a legal definition of "substantially similar"?

The definition of "substantially similar" varies by jurisdiction and context, often requiring expert testimony or detailed analysis to determine if the similarity is significant enough to warrant legal action.