virtually identical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually identical" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to two or more items that have very little differences between them. For example: The two cars were virtually identical in terms of design and performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were virtually identical.

The New York Times

Our meals were virtually identical.

The New York Times - Food

The figures are virtually identical.

The New York Times

In a virtually identical bottle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Response rates were virtually identical.

Journal of Environmental Management

The new, virtually identical number replaces it.

The New York Times

Engine virtually identical to the Citroën's.

Independent

Texas uses a virtually identical formula.

The New York Times

The results, he says, were virtually identical.

The Guardian - Tech

The recorded events are virtually identical.

The New York Times - Arts

First you made your homepages virtually identical.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects are "virtually identical". This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually identical" when the items being compared have significant differences. Overstating the similarity can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually identical" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing the extent to which two or more entities are alike. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase denotes a high degree of similarity, acknowledging only minor differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually identical" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a very high degree of similarity while acknowledging minor differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to scientific writing. To enhance your writing, use "virtually identical" when you want to emphasize the close resemblance between subjects, remembering to avoid overstating the similarity. Alternatives such as "nearly identical" or "essentially the same" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding the slight differences and the best contexts for their application will allow you to enhance the precision and clarity of your written and spoken language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly identical

Indicates a very close similarity, but allows for minor differences.

Almost identical

Suggests a high degree of similarity, with minimal divergence.

Practically the same

Emphasizes the functional equivalence of two or more things.

Essentially the same

Highlights the core similarities while acknowledging superficial differences.

Substantially similar

Implies a significant overlap in key characteristics.

Roughly equivalent

Suggests an approximate level of correspondence.

Much alike

A simpler way to express a strong resemblance.

Closely resemble

Focuses on the visual or structural similarities.

Share many traits

Indicates that two or more things have numerous common characteristics.

Analogous

Highlights a similarity in function or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually identical" in a sentence?

Use "virtually identical" to describe two or more things that are extremely similar but not exactly the same. For example, "The two prototypes were "virtually identical", differing only in minor aesthetic details."

What are some alternatives to "virtually identical"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nearly identical", "almost identical", or "essentially the same". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of similarity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "literally identical" instead of "virtually identical"?

While "literally identical" implies a complete and exact match, "virtually identical" acknowledges minor differences. Use "literally identical" only when there are absolutely no differences between the items being compared.

What's the difference between "virtually identical" and "substantially similar"?

"Virtually identical" suggests a very high degree of similarity with only minor differences, while "substantially similar" indicates a significant overlap in key characteristics but allows for more noticeable differences.