Both bottles are of course identical vs Same

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Both bottles are of course identical

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Same

Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
Most common: Same
 Both bottles are of course identicalSame
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //bəʊθ ˈbɒtəlz ɑːr əv kɔːs aɪˈdɛntɪkəl//🇺🇸 //boʊθ ˈbɑːtəlz ɑr əv kɔrs aɪˈdɛntɪkəl//🇬🇧 /["/seɪm/"]/🇺🇸 /["/seɪm/"]/
MeaningBoth bottles are the same.identical or not different
ExampleBoth bottles are of course identical in design.We both wore the same dress to the party.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-A1
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbottles are identical, are of course, identical in design, both are the same, identical pairsbe, feel, look, exactly, just, precisely, as, one and the same, be, feel, look, exactly, just, precisely, as, one and the same
Antonyms-different, distinct, dissimilar
Common mistakesConfused with 'identical' vs 'similar': 'Identical' means exactly the same, while 'similar' means close but not exactly the same., Using 'of course' inappropriately: Only use it when the information is already known or obvious to the audience.Using 'same' instead of 'similar' when things aren't identical., Saying 'the same' without a noun, like 'the same as' instead of 'the same thing as'., 'Same' used incorrectly with plural nouns, e.g., 'the same apples'.
Usage notesUsed to emphasize similarity. Often used in discussions where choices or options are being compared.Use 'same' to describe two or more things that are identical. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English but can be overly repetitive in casual conversation.

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Both bottles are of course identical

Frequently asked questions: Both bottles are of course identical vs Same

What's the difference between Both bottles are of course identical and Same?

Both bottles are of course identical: Both bottles are the same. Same: identical or not different

Which is more common: Both bottles are of course identical and Same?

Same is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Both bottles are of course identical: Both bottles are of course identical in design. Same: We both wore the same dress to the party.

Can I use Both bottles are of course identical and Same interchangeably?

Not always. Both bottles are of course identical and Same are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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