the very same person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the very same person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two references are to the identical individual, often in a context of comparison or clarification. Example: "I thought he was joking, but it turns out he was the very same person who made that outrageous claim last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

What's the key to being the same person?" we can say sameness of body gave us the same personality, but it was sameness of personality that made it be the very same person.

Yale University

He also is the very same person who wrote it.

The Washington Post

I'm the very same person that was here lecturing to you last week.

Yale University

Both theories are going to say it's the very same person.

Yale University

We look in the mirror and see the very same person, every single day of our lives.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if you believe in souls, you don't have to say that having the very same soul is the key to being the very same person.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It's entirely possible that a psychologist who had been listening to an inmate pouring out their heart out one day, could be in the position of having to open fire on that very same person the next.

The Guardian - Opinion

Of which everything is under that very same person.

Human Resources for Health

It was the very same whole person yesterday who knew nothing about temporal parts, and, by tomorrow, the very same whole person will be an expert.

SEP

Defense attorney Henry Hankk" Asbill has returned former governor Robert F. McDonnell to the issue of disclosure: Why would he include one gift from Richmond businessman Bill Goodwin on his annual form, but strike out a $23,000 vacation from the same person on the very same form?

The Washington Post

When the dissidents at the conference were listening to each other's stories of their respective struggles in Belarus, Cuba, Sudan or Egypt, they were astonished to learn that it is the very same story of a free person in a totalitarian regime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when contrasting actions or situations involving the same individual to highlight a change or irony.

Common error

Avoid using "the very same person" in overly casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "the same person" or "that person" are often more appropriate and natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the very same person" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It serves to specify and emphasize the identity of an individual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the very same person" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase designed to emphasize the identity of an individual across different references. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in news, academic writing, and scientific discourse. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to clarify or highlight the unique identity of a person. It's suitable for formal contexts where precise language is valued. While understandable in informal settings, simpler alternatives might be more fitting for casual communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "the very same person" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the identical individual

Replaces "same" with "identical" for a slightly more formal tone.

the selfsame person

Uses "selfsame" to highlight that the person is identical to a prior reference.

that very individual

Replaces "same" with "individual" while retaining the emphasis.

the aforementioned person

Refers back to someone previously mentioned, suitable in formal writing.

the person in question

Focuses on a specific person already under discussion.

the one and only

Adds a sense of uniqueness and singularity to the identity.

precisely that person

Emphasizes that it is exactly that person being referred to.

none other than

Creates a sense of surprise or emphasis on who the person is.

the aforesaid individual

Similar to "the aforementioned person", but slightly more archaic.

that particular person

Highlights the specificity of the person being discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "the very same person" to emphasize that two references are to the identical individual. For example, "He criticized the policy, but he was "the very same person" who implemented it."

What's the difference between "the same person" and "the very same person"?

While both phrases refer to the same individual, "the very same person" adds emphasis. Use it when you want to highlight the fact that it's indeed the exact same individual being discussed, often in a surprising or contradictory situation.

Are there any synonyms for "the very same person"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "the identical individual", "the selfsame person", or "that very individual" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the very same person"?

Yes, "the very same person" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It emphasizes the identity of the individual being discussed.