was substantively the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was substantively the same" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase suggests that two things have similar substance, though not necessarily identical form. For example, you could say "The new plan was substantively the same as the old one, though a few details had changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But compulsory-licensing rights in many nations mean that any composition that has been released to the public (free or commercially) as an audio recording may be recorded again and sold by others for a statutorily defined fee, although it must be substantively the same music and lyrics as the original.

The Economist

To understand the effect of instruction type on item-type, items for which three or more raters agreed (majority coding) were used in the analyses (findings were substantively the same when analyses were restricted to the 16 consensus coding items).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

As for Paris, the story is substantively the same.

Huffington Post

The results were substantively the same as when continuous variables were used.

BMC Public Health

Results were substantively the same as those presented above (data not shown).

Environmental Health Perspectives

However, the results were substantively the same after analysing the benefits data as categorical variables, suggesting that outlier values did not adversely affect the results.

BMC Public Health

The versions and forms are substantively the same and differ only in the structure of item stems and examples of concepts.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The relationships between suicide, month of year and change in mean daily sunlight exposure from the previous month were substantively the same as when our measure of sunlight exposure was the mean daily sunlight exposure (see online supplementary tables S1 S3).

BMJ Open

However, the number of available runs was similar for high- and low-risk youth and results were substantively the same when analyses included only participants who had complete data.

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

Non-users are included in the low expenditure group because Japanese tend to visit physicians for minor complaints [ 47]; thus their basic characteristics are likely to be substantively the same as non-users.

BMC Health Services Research

With both loci and under both clock models, BEAST gave topologies that were substantively the same as those from RAxML (Additional file 3: Figures S4 and S5), at least for well-supported nodes.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was substantively the same" to convey that two things are alike in essence or effect, even if they differ in superficial details. This is particularly useful when comparing complex concepts, results, or policies.

Common error

Avoid using "was substantively the same" when only minor aspects are similar. Ensure that the core elements align, or consider a phrase like "shared some characteristics" for weaker similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was substantively the same" functions as a comparative statement, indicating that two subjects, concepts, or results share a core similarity, though not necessarily identical in every aspect. Ludwig AI suggests its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was substantively the same" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed comparative term, used to highlight core similarities even amidst minor differences. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it serves to emphasize equivalence in meaning or effect. When employing this phrase, it is important to ensure genuine alignment in core elements and consider alternatives like "was essentially identical" when appropriate. By understanding both its function and potential misapplications, you can wield "was substantively the same" with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was essentially identical

This alternative emphasizes complete similarity in essence.

was virtually the same

This alternative suggests almost complete equivalence, with negligible differences.

was practically identical

This alternative highlights the equivalence in practical terms.

was fundamentally alike

This alternative stresses the similarity at a basic or foundational level.

was nearly equivalent

This alternative highlights a slight difference but still indicates a close match.

was almost the same

This alternative indicates a high degree of similarity, with the possibility of minor variations.

was broadly similar

This alternative suggests a general resemblance, without focusing on specific details.

was largely the same

This alternative indicates that the major aspects were equivalent.

was in effect the same

This alternative emphasizes that despite differences in appearance, the outcome or result was equivalent.

was effectively the same

This alternative denotes functional equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "was substantively the same" in a sentence?

You can use "was substantively the same" to indicate that two things are similar in their main points or effect, even if they have differences in detail. For example, "The proposed amendment was substantively the same as the original bill."

What phrases are similar to "was substantively the same"?

Alternatives include "was essentially identical", "was virtually the same", or "was practically identical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "was substantively the same"?

It's appropriate when the core meaning or effect is the same, even if the form or superficial details differ. It's often used in legal, scientific, or technical contexts where precise language is important.

What's the difference between "was substantively the same" and "was exactly the same"?

"Was exactly the same" implies complete identity in all aspects. "Was substantively the same" allows for minor differences, focusing on the key elements being equivalent.