substantially the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantially the same" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that things are very similar. For example, "This year's model is substantially the same as last year's."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most experts believe his platform is substantially the same as Putin's, with any differences merely stylistic.

The Guardian

The carrier's basic claims on the merits are substantially the same as in those proceedings.

Cornell University

"These effects upon the human are substantially the same as those demonstrated on the cat," an Army official told Congress.

The New Yorker

The act of 1899, so far as the present question is concerned, is substantially the same as they.

Cornell University

The drinks for sale are substantially the same as they have been for half a century (no frappuccinos here).

The Economist

Provisions of the revised agreement, except for the increase in the price and the change to all cash, remain substantially the same as in the earlier transaction.

The New York Times

The menu is substantially the same as at Daiko, combining sushi bar selections with a variety of cooked appetizers and entrees, including Thai stir-fry and noodle dishes.

The New York Times

How would this have been possible, the Pelagians asked, if the bodies of Adam and Eve were substantially the same as our bodies?

The New Yorker

The new bill is substantially the same as the previous one, although it incorporates concessions the government had already offered crossbenchers in an attempt to win their support.

The Guardian

Since the present statutory language is substantially the same as the empowering language of the Constitution [Const. Art. I, § 8, cl.

Cornell University

The Larceny Act and the Malicious Injuries to Property Act, both of 1861, treated established church property substantially the same as all other property.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantially the same as", ensure that the context clarifies the degree of similarity intended. While it implies a significant resemblance, it acknowledges the presence of minor differences.

Common error

Avoid using "substantially the same as" when the items being compared are, in fact, identical. This phrase introduces an unnecessary qualification, implying a distinction where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantially the same as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates that it is used to describe something that is very similar, but not identical, to something else. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating a high degree of similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Science

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantially the same as" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a high degree of similarity between two things, acknowledging minor differences. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a useful phrase when perfect equivalence isn't accurate. Its frequent occurrence in news, academic, and scientific contexts indicates its suitability for professional and informative writing. When crafting your message, remember to consider the context to avoid overstating the level of sameness. Alternatives like "essentially equivalent to", "largely identical to", or "almost the same as" can also be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially equivalent to

Emphasizes the core or fundamental equivalence, possibly overlooking minor differences.

largely identical to

Suggests a high level of agreement and similarity, but not necessarily perfect sameness.

almost the same as

Indicates a very close resemblance with only minor deviations.

practically identical to

Highlights the functional equivalence, even if there are superficial differences.

virtually indistinguishable from

Focuses on the difficulty in discerning any differences.

comparable to

Implies a degree of similarity sufficient for comparison, but allows for notable differences.

broadly similar to

Highlights a general resemblance, possibly with some specific differences.

much like

An informal way of indicating a strong resemblance.

akin to

Suggests a similarity in nature or quality.

on par with

Indicates that the items are of equal standing or quality.

FAQs

How do I use "substantially the same as" in a sentence?

Use "substantially the same as" to indicate that two or more things are very similar but not exactly identical. For example, "The revised contract is "substantially the same as" the original, with only minor changes."

What can I say instead of "substantially the same as"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially equivalent to", "largely identical to", or "almost the same as" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "substantially the same as" and "exactly the same as"?

"Substantially the same as" implies that items share key characteristics but may have minor differences. "Exactly the same as" means there are no differences whatsoever. Use "substantially the same as" when perfect equivalence isn't accurate.

Is it correct to use "substantially the same to" instead of "substantially the same as"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""substantially the same as"". The preposition "as" is required to complete the comparison. Using "to" would be grammatically incorrect.