they are practically the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are practically the same" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two or more items that are very similar in nature or function, suggesting that any differences are negligible. Example: "Although the two models have different features, they are practically the same in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are practically the same bird...the last sighting of the North American bird was in 1942 & it will be declared extinct in 1992 unless it is found first.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if you buy into that, then, gee, it turns out that business and rock 'n' roll -- why, they're practically the same thing after all!

The New York Times - Books

These large and larger SUVs are not only based on the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, they're practically the same vehicles.

Forbes

In fact, more often than not, they're practically the same price as hotels.

Huffington Post

So, really, we are practically the same person.

The New York Times

The two notes are practically the same, though one's in another range.

The New York Times - Arts

As far as I am concerned, compared to many other life-forms, deer and people are practically the same thing".

The New York Times - Books

However, as we note in that paper, the 1934 and 1998 temperature are practically the same, the difference being much smaller than the uncertainty.

The Guardian

The magnetizations are practically the same.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

The results are practically the same.

IZA Journal of Migration

The decompositions obtained by the two analyzed datasets are practically the same.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are practically the same", be prepared to provide context or examples to clarify the extent of the similarity you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "they are practically the same" when there are significant or relevant differences between the items being compared. It's important to ensure the comparison is accurate to prevent misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are practically the same" functions as a comparative statement, asserting a high degree of similarity or equivalence between two or more entities. It's commonly used to simplify descriptions and emphasize functional identity despite potential minor differences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are practically the same" is a versatile expression used to indicate a strong similarity between two or more things, suggesting that any existing differences are insignificant. According to Ludwig AI, it is deemed grammatically correct. It's commonly found in various contexts, from News & Media to Science, implying that the phrase is widely understood and accepted in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the similarity is substantial enough to warrant the comparison and avoid overstating equivalence when significant differences exist. Alternatives such as "they are virtually identical" or "they are almost the same" offer subtle variations in emphasis, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are virtually identical

Emphasizes near perfect resemblance or indistinguishability.

they are almost the same

Indicates a very slight difference exists, but it's insignificant.

they are nearly identical

Similar to 'virtually identical' but with a slightly less formal tone.

they are essentially equivalent

Focuses on functional or core equivalence despite possible superficial differences.

they are more or less the same

Suggests an approximate similarity, allowing for some minor variations.

they are pretty much the same

A more colloquial way of saying they are almost identical.

they are roughly equivalent

Indicates a broad similarity without precise correspondence.

they are comparable

Highlights the similarity from the point of view of comparison.

they are much alike

A simpler, more direct way of expressing similarity.

they are cut from the same cloth

Idiomatic expression denoting shared origins or characteristics.

FAQs

What does "they are practically the same" mean?

It means that two or more things are very similar and any differences between them are not important or significant in a particular context.

When is it appropriate to use "they are practically the same"?

Use it when comparing items that have minor differences but function or appear very similarly. It is appropriate when the distinctions don't significantly impact the point you're making.

What are some alternative ways to say "they are practically the same"?

You can use alternatives like "they are virtually identical", "they are almost the same", or "they are nearly identical".

Is it more accurate to say "they are practically the same" or "they are exactly the same"?

"They are practically the same" implies a high degree of similarity with negligible differences. "They are exactly the same" indicates perfect identity. Choose the phrase that best reflects the true relationship between the items being compared. If there are any differences at all, "they are practically the same" is more accurate.