their same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their same" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward. It could be used in informal contexts, but clarity may be compromised. Example: "They always choose their same favorite restaurant." Alternative expressions include "the same" and "their usual."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"They played their same game," Vertonghen said.

The Guardian - Sport

"They were in their same bed.

The New York Times

"People head back to their same old playgrounds -- drugs, hustling, whatever," he said.

The New York Times

Initially, Orange's existing network managers could be working at their same desks, but for new bosses.

The New York Times - Tech

"They will keep their same employees, continue to provide their services in English".

The New York Times

Rather, he connected with his audience directly, and spoke their same language of cynicism and frustration.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Retailers will report their same-store sales for March (Thursday).

The New York Times

Retailers will report their same-store sales for September (Thursday).

The New York Times

On Thursday, retailers will report their same-store sales for March.

The New York Times

INDUSTRY REPORTS Automakers report their United States sales (Monday), and retailers report their same-store sales for October (Thursday).

The New York Times

In "While We're Young," Josh Ben Stillerr) and Cornelia (Naomi Watts) don't have children, and their same-age friends do.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "their same" is used, consider more standard alternatives like "their usual" or rephrasing the sentence for clarity. For example, instead of "They played their same game", try "They played the same game they always play."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "their same" in formal writing. It can often be replaced with more precise and grammatically conventional expressions to enhance clarity and sophistication. Try using more descriptive adjectives instead of relying on the concept of sameness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their same" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun. It aims to specify that something belongs to a group and possesses the characteristic of being identical or consistent within that group. However, according to Ludwig, its usage is not always grammatically standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

27%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their same" functions as a determiner and adjective to describe shared attributes, but it is often grammatically questionable. Ludwig's analysis, while acknowledging its common usage across various contexts like News & Media and Science, suggests it is not considered grammatically standard. For improved clarity and formality, consider alternatives such as "their usual" or rephrasing the sentence altogether. While "their same" is understandable, especially in informal settings, it is beneficial to opt for more precise and conventional expressions to enhance clarity and sophistication in formal writing. Thus, while widespread, its grammatical standing remains debated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their identical

Replaces "same" with a stronger synonym emphasizing exact correspondence.

their usual

Implies a habitual or typical choice, replacing "same" with a concept of routine.

their customary

Similar to 'usual', but adds a nuance of tradition or long-standing practice.

their regular

Suggests something that occurs or is done repeatedly, akin to 'usual'.

their typical

Indicates a representative or characteristic instance, altering the focus from sameness.

their standard

Implies a set level or expectation, changing 'same' to a benchmark.

their very own

Emphasizes possession and individuality, distinct from a shared 'same' experience.

their characteristic

Highlights unique and recognizable attributes, rather than shared identity.

the same for them

Rephrases the concept to emphasize equivalence from an external perspective.

identical to theirs

Emphasizes the similarity to something they possess, while rephrasing the sentence structure.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence using "their same" for better clarity?

Instead of using "their same", consider using phrases like "the same as theirs", "identical to theirs", or restructuring the sentence to use "the same" more effectively. For example, change "They used their same password" to "They used the same password as before".

What are some alternatives to "their same" in formal writing?

In formal writing, replace "their same" with options like "their usual", "their typical", or "the identical". For example, change "They returned to their same habits" to "They reverted to their usual habits".

Is "their same" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "their same" isn't considered grammatically standard. It's often better to use a construction like "the same as their..." or rephrase to use "the same" within a more conventional sentence structure. Examples include "the same for them".

When is it acceptable to use "their same"?

The phrase "their same" is more acceptable in informal contexts or direct speech, but in formal writing, it's advisable to use more standard alternatives for clarity and grammatical correctness. Instead you may use "their identical" or "their usual".