the same

USAGE SUMMARY

"the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has already been mentioned. For example, "He asked me the same question twice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The same".

The New York Times

For the same objective, the same goal.

The Guardian - Sport

"The same values, the same product.

The New York Times

"It's the same, completely the same.

The New York Times

"The same old, the same old".

The New York Times

The same virus causing the same calamity.

The New Yorker

The same people, the same chat.

Independent

They were the same.

The New York Times - Magazine

He did the same.

The New York Times

On the same play?

The New York Times

"Almost the same age".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the same" to refer back to something previously mentioned to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "the same" if it makes the sentence convoluted. Consider rephrasing for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same" functions primarily as a determiner, specifically a definite article followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate identity or close resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the same" is a versatile and grammatically sound determiner phrase used to denote equivalence or similarity. Ludwig AI validates its frequent and correct usage across diverse contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While "the same" is generally safe, consider rephrasing overly complex sentences for enhanced readability. Exploring alternatives like "identical", "equivalent", or "alike" can further refine your writing. Remember to use "the same as" rather than "the same with" for correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very same

Adds emphasis to the sameness.

identical

Emphasizes an exact match or correspondence.

duplicate

Suggests an exact copy or replica.

one and the same

Highlights the unity or inseparability of two things.

equivalent

Highlights functional or practical similarity.

a carbon copy

Implies an exact duplicate.

alike

Indicates a strong resemblance but not necessarily perfect equality.

a dead ringer

Emphasizes a striking resemblance, often in appearance.

similar

Suggests a general resemblance without strict equality.

just like

Indicates similarity or resemblance in a simple way.

FAQs

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

You can use "the same" to indicate that two or more things are identical or very similar. For example, "We went to "the same school"" or "I ordered "the same thing" as you".

What are some alternatives to "the same"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "identical", "equivalent", "alike", or "similar".

Is it correct to say "the same as" or "the same with"?

The correct phrase is "the same as". "The same with" is generally considered incorrect. For example, "My car is the same as yours" is correct.

What is the difference between "the same" and "similar"?

"The same" implies that two things are identical, while "similar" suggests that they share some characteristics but are not necessarily identical.