telling the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "telling the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of conveying identical information or messages. Example: "Despite the different approaches, both speakers were ultimately telling the same thing about the importance of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Later, the writer heard him happily telling the same thing to all the pension tenants, but there was no reply.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They had been told the same thing".

The New York Times

At his news conference, Sanchez was told the same thing.

The New York Times - Sports

"With Benedict Cumberbatch, we were told the same thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once I got there, I was told the same thing.

The New York Times

The neural data that Shenhav and Buckner collected told the same thing.

The New Yorker

"I wondered how many other people were told the same thing," Ms. Curtis said.

The New York Times

But protesters said they were told the same thing on Monday.

The New York Times

Several other European money managers said they were told the same thing.

The New York Times

But Dr. Lee said he was told the same thing in polio and other projects.

The New York Times - Health

He apparently told the same thing to Girardi, a former catcher.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "telling the same thing" when you want to emphasize that multiple sources or individuals are conveying identical information, especially when highlighting agreement or consistency in their accounts. For example, "Despite their different perspectives, the witnesses were telling the same thing about the events that transpired."

Common error

Avoid using "telling the same thing" when the information being conveyed is only superficially similar. Ensure that the core message is truly identical, not just related, to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "telling the same thing" functions as a descriptive expression. It is used to indicate that multiple sources, individuals, or data points are conveying identical information or sharing a consistent message. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "telling the same thing" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to highlight agreement or consistency in information from multiple sources. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the information being conveyed is truly identical to maintain clarity and avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "conveying the same information" or "communicating the same message" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveying the same information

Focuses on the act of transferring information, emphasizing the content being identical.

communicating the same message

Highlights the message aspect, suggesting a deliberate effort to share the same idea.

expressing the same idea

Emphasizes the articulation of an identical concept or thought.

repeating the same information

Implies a verbatim or near-verbatim reiteration of facts or details.

echoing the same sentiment

Specifically refers to sharing the same feelings or opinions.

affirming the same point

Highlights the act of reinforcing or confirming a particular argument or assertion.

reiterating the same details

Focuses on the restatement of specific elements or particulars.

disclosing identical facts

Emphasizes the unveiling or revelation of the same factual information.

reporting consistent findings

Refers to the act of conveying the same results or outcomes from an investigation or study.

giving the same account

Stresses the provision of a consistent narrative or description of an event or situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "telling the same thing"?

Saying someone is "telling the same thing" means they are conveying identical information, agreeing on a specific point, or sharing a consistent narrative. It emphasizes the alignment of their message.

How can I use "telling the same thing" in a sentence?

You can use "telling the same thing" to show agreement between different sources. For example: "The experts, despite their varied backgrounds, were "telling the same thing" about the economic outlook."

Are there alternatives to "telling the same thing" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "conveying the same information", "communicating the same message", or "expressing the same idea" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "telling the same thing" vs. "telling a similar thing"?

"Telling the same thing" is appropriate when the information is exactly the same, while "telling a similar thing" is used when the information shares common elements but isn't identical. The choice depends on the degree of similarity you want to convey.