the same as last time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the same as last time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that a certain situation is repeated in a similar manner or that something is the same as it was before. For example, "I'll have the same order as last time - a cheeseburger and fries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"This record is the same as last time.

The New York Times - Arts

The broadcasters started by proposing the same as last time – three debates with three leaders.

Independent

"'So and so was offended' … 'hasn't been invited back yet' … exactly the same as last time.

The Guardian

"It was the same as last time," Cus said, again ignoring the discrepancy between the two men.

The New Yorker

The slump won't feel the same as last time, as most western countries have de-industrialised, and mass unemployment may be less obvious and less visible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He has to carry Staten Island at least the same as last time," said Mr. Molinaro, 72, a jovial longtime Conservative Party official.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Do the exact same as last time but standing up! Standing with your feet together and your legs straight, lean down and try to touch your toes.

WikiHow

We mostly know what to expect in there: sit in the same seat as last time, sing the same familiar song, pray to God for what we need and give praise often.

Huffington Post

GOAL! Otelul Galati 0-2 Manchester United (Rooney 90+1pen) Rooney steps up again and buries the ball in the same place as last time - the bottom right-hand corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Reciting the same economic arguments with slightly reworked catchphrases will probably mean the policies hit the same walls as last time.

The Guardian

"But if the government uses the same tactics as last time we can't be optimistic". Other Iraqi politicians welcomed the new talks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If there have been some changes, and you are using "the same as last time" to imply the situation is exactly equal to the one before, you can create a humorous effect, or call attention to details that were omitted.

Common error

Avoid using "the same as last time" without confirming that all aspects are indeed identical. Small differences can invalidate the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the same as last time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action or situation is being repeated in an identical manner as it occurred previously. This is validated by Ludwig, indicating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the same as last time" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to denote continuity or repetition of a previous situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile enough for general use, though most common in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure accuracy in mirroring the previous state to avoid misleading or humorous implications. Be aware of similar phrases such as "identical to the previous instance" to provide variety in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Identical to the previous instance

Focuses on the exact match with a past event.

A carbon copy of the last occurrence

Emphasizes that the second event is exactly the same as the first.

Just like it was before

Highlights the similarity to a prior situation.

As it happened previously

Refers to a past event that is repeating.

Repeating the past

Highlights that a past experience is repeating.

Revisiting the previous state

Emphasizes a return to a former condition.

Mirroring the past

Conveys a strong resemblance to what happened before.

Echoing the previous situation

Underscores a similarity to a situation that happened before.

Following the same pattern

Highlights that the original pattern is repeating itself.

Resembling the prior event

Emphasizes similarity to a previous event.

FAQs

How can I use "the same as last time" in a sentence?

You can use "the same as last time" to indicate that something is identical to a previous instance. For example, you might say, "I'll have "the same as last time"" when ordering food.

What phrases are similar to "the same as last time"?

Alternatives to "the same as last time" include phrases like "identical to the previous instance", "just like it was before", or "repeating the past".

Is it always appropriate to use "the same as last time"?

Using "the same as last time" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the lack of change or the repetition of a past event. However, be sure that the current state is indeed identical, as small differences can undermine the comparison.

What is the difference between "the same as last time" and "as before"?

"The same as last time" is more specific, indicating an exact match with the most recent instance. "As before" ("as before") is more general, suggesting a similarity to a past state but without necessarily implying it's unchanged.