Meaning & use
in the same vein
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Meaning
phraseidiom
In a similar style, tone or manner to something already mentioned.
Grammar: Often starts a sentence or clause, or follows a verb and links to a comparison: she wrote in the same vein.
Patterns
- in the same vein as something
- in the same vein
The first album was moody, and the second continues in the same vein.
He praised the plan and, in the same vein, thanked the volunteers.
The sequel is in the same vein as the original, with plenty of dry humour.
Common combinations
- continue in the same vein
- She continued in the same vein, joking about her own mistakes.
- write in the same vein
- The author later wrote two more books in the same vein.
- in much the same vein
- His reply was in much the same vein as his email.
- speak in the same vein
- The mayor spoke in the same vein at both events.
Synonyms and how they differ
- similarly
- Similarly is a single adverb that connects ideas, but it does not suggest matching tone or style the way 'in the same vein' does.
- along the same lines
- This is close in meaning but focuses on a shared plan or approach rather than a shared mood.
- in a similar fashion
- It is more neutral and describes any matching method, whereas 'in the same vein' suggests a matching spirit or flavour.
Opposites
Word family
- vein noun
- a mood, style or manner of expression
- veined adjective
- marked with streaks, like marble
Commonly confused: in the same vein or vain? in the same vein or vane?
in the same vein vs vain
'Vain' means conceited or useless (a vain attempt). The idiom takes 'vein', not 'vain' or 'vane'.
in the same vein vs vane
A vane is a flat blade or pointer, as on a weathervane; it is not part of this idiom.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
The idiom uses 'vein', and 'in the same vein as' introduces the thing compared. 'Vain' and 'vane' are different words, and the last option adds a stray 'of'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in the same vein”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.