was virtually the same

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was virtually the same" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two things are almost identical or have very little difference between them. Example: "The results from the two experiments were virtually the same, leading the researchers to conclude that their methods were reliable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Camp routine was virtually the same every evening.

The New York Times - Travel

The response was virtually the same everywhere: Anger.

The New York Times

It was virtually the same Hurricane team that dispatched the Gators in last season's Sugar Bowl.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Economist

Despite widespread predictions of record voter turnout last November, the overall rate was virtually the same as in 2004.

The New York Times

The Census Bureau estimates that the number of school-age children was virtually the same in 2006 as 2010.

The New York Times

The number was virtually the same among members of Mr. Schröder's Social Democratic Party, many of whom are rank-and-file unionists.

The New York Times

Walker dismissed the new complaint last year, saying the refiled suit was virtually the same as the first, a meritless suit.

The New York Times - Sports

At the end of our 90 minutes last week in Boston, the total time each of you took was virtually the same.

The New York Times

That number was virtually the same as in a previous poll taken in November, shortly after the storm ravaged the region.

The New York Times

That deal was virtually the same one that the largest union of state workers, the Civil Service Employees Association, approved in its own vote last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was virtually the same" to clearly convey that two items or situations are almost identical, minimizing any perceived differences.

Common error

Avoid using "was virtually the same" when there are significant differences. This phrase implies a high degree of similarity, and misusing it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was virtually the same" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing a state of near-equivalence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. This implies that the phrase is primarily used to express a strong degree of similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was virtually the same" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey near-equivalence between two entities. Ludwig AI analysis and numerous real-world examples confirm its widespread use across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While interchangeable with alternatives like "was almost identical" or "was essentially the same", it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring a high degree of similarity exists to avoid misleading your audience. Use this phrase with confidence to effectively communicate near-identical comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was almost identical

Indicates a very high degree of similarity, bordering on exactness, but acknowledges a slight difference.

was nearly identical

Similar to "almost identical", suggesting a very close resemblance with minor discrepancies.

was practically the same

Emphasizes the functional equivalence despite any minor differences that may exist.

was substantially similar

Highlights that the key aspects are alike, even if there are some superficial differences.

was essentially the same

Indicates that the fundamental nature or core characteristics are equivalent.

was for all intents and purposes the same

A more emphatic way of saying that something is the same, especially legally or technically.

was much the same

Implies that something changed slightly, but is overall highly similar.

was closely similar

Denotes a significant degree of resemblance, but leaves room for noticeable differences.

was largely equivalent

Suggests that the two things are equal in value, function, or effect.

was broadly comparable

Indicates that the items can be compared and have many similarities, but aren't necessarily identical.

FAQs

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

You can use "was virtually the same" to indicate a close similarity between two things. For example, "The cost of both options "was virtually the same"."

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

Alternatives include "was almost identical", "was nearly the same", or "was essentially the same", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "was virtually the same" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to express a high degree of similarity. However, consider alternatives like "was substantially similar" in contexts where absolute precision is paramount.

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

"Was exactly the same" indicates perfect identity, while "was virtually the same" implies a very high degree of similarity with only minor differences. Choose "was virtually the same" when there are negligible distinctions that don't significantly impact the overall comparison.