substantively the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantively the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe something that is nearly identical or nearly unchanged. For example, "The two versions of the contract were substantively the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

You may not take a course/seminar that is substantively the same as one taken previously at HLS.

Harvard University

"The quotes are always accurate representations of their words, inserted into the interview at the point where they made substantively the same argument using similar but less clear language," he added.

The Guardian

"The quotes are always accurate representations of their words, inserted into the interview at the point where they made substantively the same argument using similar but less clear language.

The Guardian

"The fact that his base, even his ardent white nationalist supporters, are not complaining about his message pivots is a clear sign that his policies remain substantively the same," said Frank Sharry, executive director of the immigration reform advocacy group America's Voice.

The Guardian

But compulsory-licensing rights in many nations mean that any composition that has been released to the public (free or commercially) as an audio recording may be recorded again and sold by others for a statutorily defined fee, although it must be substantively the same music and lyrics as the original.

The Economist

These rules were implemented in 1979 and have remained substantively the same since.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

By good luck or bad, they are also substantively pretty much the same book and make pretty much the same points.

The New Yorker

Substantively however, the pattern of results was the same.

Behavior Genetics

This is on the same sales, with nothing else substantively changing in any other aspect of their book.

HuffPost

This means all FDCs, a substantively different form of ECEC, have to comply with the same regulations and the quality rating system as other ECEC services despite being originally created under a different set of standards.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Here, the TOS contain many of the same elements that made the PayPal user agreement substantively unconscionable for lack of mutuality.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "substantively the same" when you want to emphasize that any differences between two things are unimportant or do not affect the overall outcome or meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "substantively the same" if there are notable or significant differences between the items being compared. Use it only when those differences are truly minor and inconsequential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantively the same" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the degree to which two or more things are similar. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantively the same" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that two things are essentially equivalent, even if minor differences exist. Ludwig confirms its correctness and demonstrates its varied use across diverse domains such as science, news, and academia. When using the phrase, be mindful of overstating the equivalence if significant differences exist, and consider using it to emphasize the overarching similarity between the two things.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially equivalent

Emphasizes the fundamental equivalence between two things.

largely identical

Highlights the extensive overlap and similarity, with minor differences.

virtually indistinguishable

Suggests that any differences are so minor as to be almost unnoticeable.

practically the same thing

Focuses on the practical outcome of the equivalence, rather than exact identity.

for all intents and purposes identical

Legal or formal declaration of equivalency.

almost exactly alike

Highlights a high degree of similarity with a minor degree of difference.

tantamount to

Implies that the two things are effectively equal in their effect or value.

much the same

Indicates the things are very similar.

broadly similar

Suggests a general similarity, with the possibility of significant differences in detail.

functionally equivalent

Highlights similar practical function even if they are different in nature.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "substantively the same"?

Use "substantively the same" when two or more things are very similar in their essential nature or effect, even if there are minor differences. It implies that the differences are not significant enough to change the overall outcome or meaning.

What are some alternatives to saying "substantively the same"?

You can use alternatives like "essentially equivalent", "largely identical", or "virtually indistinguishable" depending on the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is "substantially the same" interchangeable with "substantively the same"?

Yes, "substantially the same" is often used interchangeably with "substantively the same". Both phrases indicate a high degree of similarity, but it's useful to remember that "substantially the same" focuses more on quantity and importance, while "substantively the same" emphasizes the essence or core content.

How can I ensure I'm using "substantively the same" correctly in my writing?

Double-check that the differences between the items you are comparing are genuinely minor and do not affect the overall conclusion or meaning. If the differences are significant, consider using a phrase that indicates a lower degree of similarity, such as "broadly similar".