very similar

USAGE SUMMARY

"very similar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two things are almost the same. For example: "The designs of the two chairs are very similar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very similar.

The New York Times

It's very similar".

The New York Times

They are very similar.

The New York Times

Otherwiseshe looked very similar.

The New York Times

Eden Hazard, very similar.

Independent

We're very similar".

The New York Times - Sports

"Mine was very similar".

The New Yorker

Looks very similar.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Very similar to sumgauss.

Yale University

"I'm probably very similar".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're very similar characters.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very similar" to highlight notable resemblances between two or more subjects, ensuring your audience understands the degree of likeness you're conveying. For a more impactful statement, consider alternatives like "nearly identical" if the subjects are almost indistinguishable.

Common error

Avoid using "very similar" when the items being compared share only superficial similarities. Instead, opt for phrases like "somewhat related" or "tangentially connected" to accurately reflect the degree of resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very similar" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase used to modify nouns or pronouns, indicating a high degree of resemblance or likeness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very similar" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to express a significant degree of likeness between two or more things. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, highlighting examples across diverse sources, predominantly News & Media and Academia. When using "very similar", ensure the subjects share substantial resemblances to avoid overstating the connection. Consider context-appropriate alternatives like "almost identical" for near-perfect matches or "somewhat related" for weaker associations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost identical

Emphasizes a near perfect match, stronger than "very similar".

essentially the same

Highlights fundamental agreement, even with slight surface variations.

highly alike

Highlights the shared characteristics, suggesting a noticeable resemblance.

closely resembles

Focuses on visual or superficial similarities.

strikingly similar

Emphasizes that the similarity is easily noticeable or remarkable.

bears a strong resemblance

More formal and emphasizes the existence of easily recognized similarities.

markedly alike

Indicates a significant degree of similarity.

substantially equivalent

Suggests that the items are functionally interchangeable despite minor differences.

broadly comparable

Highlights that the items can be compared in general terms, even if not identical.

largely analogous

Indicates a parallel or correspondence in certain aspects or relations.

FAQs

How can I use "very similar" in a sentence?

You can use "very similar" to describe a strong resemblance between two or more things. For example: "The two paintings are "very similar" in style".

What phrases can I use instead of "very similar"?

Alternatives to "very similar" include phrases like "almost identical", "highly alike", or "closely resembles", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very similar"?

While "similar" alone conveys likeness, adding "very" intensifies the degree of resemblance. Whether it's redundant depends on the desired emphasis. In some cases, a stronger term like "strikingly similar" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "very similar" and "identical"?

"Very similar" implies a strong resemblance but not exact duplication. "Identical", on the other hand, means exactly the same. If two items are indistinguishable, "identical" is more accurate; otherwise, ""very similar"" is appropriate.