virtually the same as

USAGE SUMMARY

"virtually the same as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things or concepts that are almost identical or extremely similar. Example: The flavor of this new ice cream is virtually the same as the one my mom used to make when I was a child.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And isn't the There concept virtually the same as that of the virtual worlds that have failed?

The New York Times

"The number of homes is virtually the same as the number of households," Wilcox wrote.

The Guardian

April's ABC-audited daily average stood at 1.38m copies, virtually the same as during April 2011.

The Guardian

Flying Ted is virtually the same as flying coach on any other airline.

The New York Times - Travel

"They're virtually the same as they were prior to the settlement".

The New York Times

Sled hockey -- called sledge hockey outside the United States -- is virtually the same as regular hockey.

The New York Times - Sports

Both numbers were virtually the same as in 2000 and 2001.

The New York Times

The gender pay gap remains at 17%, virtually the same as it was 20 years ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The second set of results was virtually the same as the first.

The Economist

Clemens took a 3.42 earned run average into last night's game, virtually the same as Mike Mussina's 3.41.

The New York Times - Sports

Today, the number of jobless people is virtually the same as it was on the eve of Mr. Kohl's defeat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually the same as" to accurately convey near equivalence while acknowledging minor differences. This avoids exaggeration and maintains credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually the same as" when there are significant differences. If the items being compared are only superficially similar, choose a less definitive comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually the same as" functions as a comparative qualifier. It modifies a statement, indicating that two entities are nearly identical, with only minor or negligible differences. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually the same as" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a high degree of similarity between two entities while acknowledging minor differences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. When writing, be mindful of overstating equivalence and ensure the differences truly are negligible. Remember that related phrases like "practically identical to" or "nearly equivalent to", are also suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically identical to

Changes the adjective to convey near-perfect resemblance.

almost indistinguishable from

Emphasizes the difficulty in noticing any differences.

nearly equivalent to

Focuses on the equivalence in value or effect.

tantamount to

Suggests that the two things are effectively the same in result or effect.

for all intents and purposes, the same as

Highlights that the distinction is negligible in practical terms.

in effect, the same as

Indicates that while not literally identical, the result is the same.

comparable to

Suggests a similarity that is worth comparing, though not necessarily identical.

analogous to

Implies a similarity in some respects, allowing for differences in others.

much like

Simple and straightforward way to indicate a strong similarity.

akin to

Suggests a relatedness or similarity in nature or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually the same as" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually the same as" to compare two things, indicating they are almost identical. For example, "The new model is "virtually the same as" the previous one."

What phrases are similar to "virtually the same as"?

Alternatives include "practically identical to", "almost indistinguishable from", or "nearly equivalent to", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "virtually the same as" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually the same as" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys a high degree of similarity while acknowledging slight differences. The phrase is appropriate for professional and academic settings.

What's the difference between "virtually the same as" and "exactly the same as"?

"Virtually the same as" indicates a very high degree of similarity, but not perfect identity. In contrast, "exactly the same as" implies complete identity in all aspects. Use "virtually" when minor differences exist.