same

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Not different; exactly alike or identical to something already mentioned.

   Grammar: Almost always used with 'the': the same. Often followed by 'as': the same as mine.

   Patterns

   • the same + noun
   • the same as + noun/pronoun
   • the same + noun + as

   We go to the same school.

   She ordered the same dish as me.

   He made the same mistake twice.

2. 2pronoun

   The same thing or person just mentioned.

   Grammar: Used after 'the', often as an object or complement: I'll have the same.

   Patterns

   • the same

   I'll have the same, please.

   They all said the same.

   He did the same last year.

3. 3adverb

   In the same way; equally.

   Grammar: Used with 'the', often in phrases like 'all the same' or 'same here'.

   Patterns

   • all the same
   • same here

   I feel the same about it.

   She treats everyone the same.

   Same here, I'm tired too.

Common combinations

the same as

Your bag is the same as mine.

at the same time

They arrived at the same time.

all the same

He's not very friendly, but I like him all the same.

same here

I love pizza. Same here!

the very same

This is the very same book I lost last year.

Synonyms and how they differ

identical

Stronger than 'same', meaning exactly alike in every detail; 'same' can mean not different in a particular way.

equal

Used for amounts or values that are the same in number or size, not for general similarity.

alike

Means similar but not necessarily identical; 'same' implies no difference at all.

Opposites

Word family

sameness noun

The quality of being the same; lack of variety.

Commonly confused: same or some?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “same”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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