virtually the same level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually the same level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more things are almost equal in terms of quality, status, or measurement, but not exactly the same. Example: "The two candidates have virtually the same level of experience, making it difficult to choose between them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

War costs have remained at virtually the same level the last few years.

The New York Times

By contrast, Greece and the eurozone's other heavy borrowers were able to borrow at interest rates that had fallen to virtually the same level as German bunds.

The Guardian - Business

Smokers who at 30 quit for 10 years have virtually the same level of risk of lung cancer as those who never smoked.

The New York Times

In recent months, companies became more efficient by dismissing employees or reducing the number of hours they worked, while sustaining virtually the same level of output.

The New York Times

The Bryans are one of those freaks of nature - identical twins who play a major sport at virtually the same level and who revel in each other's company.

The Guardian - Sport

We can only have virtually the same level of social security if we try to generate growth and jobs – not by having immigration into social systems.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Thus, we consider that the depth of anesthesia was virtually at the same level when emergence agitation was evaluated in the two groups.

JA Clinical Reports

And with all its defects, the domination of the party, known as the P.R.I., never even approached the same level of virtually absolute dictatorship as that of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, or even of Venezuela's Hugo Chávez.

The New York Times

Since Spain and Barcelona are virtually synonymous, their style and their capacity must be on the same level.

The New York Times - Sports

The movie is pop art on the same level as anything in the country's best museums, a cultural signpost recognizable to virtually everyone.

Vice

The same level of trypsin had little or no effect on reconstituted, disulfide-containing complexes, indicating virtually complete protection from proteolysis over the 24 h time course.

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually the same level" when you want to indicate a close similarity or near equivalence without claiming absolute identity. It's useful when minor differences exist but are not significant for the context.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually the same level" when there are significant differences between the items being compared. Using it inappropriately can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually the same level" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which two or more things are similar. It suggests a near-equivalence, as supported by Ludwig and evidenced in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually the same level" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate near equivalence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to convey a close approximation between two or more things, acknowledging potential minor differences. When writing, ensure that the degree of similarity is genuinely high to avoid misleading your audience. Consider alternatives like "almost identical level" or "nearly the same level" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overstating equivalence when significant differences are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost identical level

Replaces "virtually" with "almost identical", strengthening the sense of near-perfect similarity.

practically the same level

Uses "practically" instead of "virtually", suggesting the similarity is true in effect, though perhaps not in strict reality.

nearly the same level

Substitutes "virtually" with "nearly", indicating a slight deviation from exact equivalence.

essentially the same level

Emphasizes the fundamental similarity, suggesting any differences are superficial.

roughly the same level

Implies an approximation, allowing for a more noticeable degree of variation.

much the same level

Uses "much" to convey a strong degree of similarity, but potentially less precise than "virtually".

comparable level

Indicates that the levels can be compared without significant disparity.

tantamount level

Suggests that the two levels are equivalent in their effect or value.

on par

Uses an idiom to indicate being at the same level or standard.

in the same ballpark

An idiomatic expression indicating that two figures or values are roughly similar.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually the same level" to compare qualities, quantities, or degrees. For instance, "After the update, the two systems operated at "virtually the same level" of efficiency."

What can I say instead of "virtually the same level"?

Consider alternatives such as "almost identical level", "practically the same level", or "nearly the same level" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "virtually the same level" or "exactly the same level"?

"Virtually the same level" implies a near equivalence, while "exactly the same level" indicates perfect equivalence. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the relationship you are describing.

What's the difference between "virtually the same level" and "comparable level"?

"Virtually the same level" suggests a very high degree of similarity, while "comparable level" simply means that the two things are suitable for comparison, without necessarily being nearly identical.