totally the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two or more things are identical or indistinguishable in a particular context. Example: "After comparing the two products, I can confidently say they are totally the same in terms of quality and performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

According to Buridan, there are three senses of numerical sameness: (1) x is "totally" the same in number as y, (2) x is "partially" the same in number as y, and (3) x is numerically the same as y in a "less proper" way.

SEP

But in other ways they're totally the same.

The Guardian - Film

"But beyond that," he said, "their philosophy is almost totally the same".

The New York Times

If properly done, they behave totally the same afterwards and don't seem to have any health problems".

The New York Times

We don't know whether the antibodies with the vaccine are identical to the antibodies produced by the disease; they're probably not totally the same," she said.

The Guardian

It was totally the same music". Frisell was so impressed that he followed Traore's band to California, "and ended up driving them around and finally got to hear them perform".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Perhaps that, like, also totally like, explains, like why they all, like totally talk the same.

The Economist

Every church has a different opinion on the issue and every gay person is different.... to think [each] are all the same is totally not true".

Huffington Post

But they're totally not the same thing.

The Guardian

But one tweak by him, she said, "can totally recreate the same step".

The New York Times - Arts

"Unless they're totally on the same page," he said, employees will "work it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally the same" to emphasize a complete lack of difference, but consider more formal alternatives like "completely identical" in academic or professional writing.

Common error

While "totally the same" is acceptable, overuse of "totally" as an intensifier can weaken your writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "completely", "entirely", or "absolutely" for a more nuanced and impactful style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally the same" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe something that is completely identical or equivalent to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally the same" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to denote complete identity or equivalence. According to Ludwig AI, it is a good way to emphasize that things are identical. While it is widely used across various contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Its frequency is "common", and it is predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science" sources. Consider varying your vocabulary to avoid overuse of "totally" and maintain a nuanced writing style. Remember to look to Ludwig for examples and usage insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely identical

Emphasizes the absolute lack of difference; stronger than "same".

absolutely identical

Adds extra emphasis on the complete lack of difference.

entirely equivalent

Highlights functional interchangeability.

exactly equivalent

Highlights functional interchangeability, but with a higher degree of precision.

perfectly alike

Focuses on visual or superficial similarity.

precisely the same

Stresses exact correspondence.

indistinguishable

Focuses on the inability to tell things apart.

mirror images

Implies a reversed but identical correspondence, often visual.

carbon copies

Implies perfect duplication, often in a derogatory or humorous way.

cut from the same cloth

Suggests a shared origin or nature, leading to similarity.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "totally the same"?

You can use alternatives like "completely identical", "entirely equivalent", or "perfectly alike" depending on the context.

Is "totally the same" formal or informal?

"Totally the same" leans towards the informal side. For more formal contexts, consider phrases like "precisely the same" or "absolutely identical".

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

You can use "totally the same" to emphasize that two or more things are identical. For example, "The two reports were reviewed and the findings were totally the same".

What's the difference between "exactly the same" and "totally the same"?

"Exactly the same" and "totally the same" are very close in meaning, but "totally the same" adds a stronger emphasis on the completeness of the sameness. However, "exactly the same" is often perceived as more formal.