Do you want to know the best ways to show that two things seem similar but actually have differences?
Perhaps you’re concerned that “similar but different” in itself is boring or ineffective.
Luckily, it’s not your only choice!
This article will teach you a different word that means “similar but different.”
- Two sides of the same coin
- Different strokes for different folks
- Like apples and oranges
- Cut from the same cloth but with different patterns
- Similar tunes with different lyrics
- In the same ballpark but playing different games
- Two roads diverged from a common path
- Same roots with different branches
- Analogous
- Comparable
1. Two Sides of the Same Coin
Let’s start things off with a fantastic idiom to help you describe something that’s “similar but different.”
For example, you can use “two sides of the same coin.” This is perhaps the most common idiomatic expression used to describe two things that are similar but different.
After all, a coin has two sides. One is heads; one is tails. They are opposite to each other, and when someone flips a coin, each side tends to have a different outcome attached to it.
Therefore, you can use this when you want to describe two things as looking or feeling similar but being fundamentally different.
It also happens to be one of the most common and popular choices. Therefore, it’s already well-known by most native readers, so it won’t require an explanation.
You can review these examples to learn a bit more about it:
They are two sides of the same coin. You’ll see a lot of similarities with them, but you’ll also see how much they don’t get along.
I’m sure these results are two sides of the same coin. In fact, I’m quite surprised we managed to stumble across them.
2. Different Strokes for Different Folks
Another way to say “similar but different” is “different strokes for different folks.”
This is an age-old idiom that people use to show that people have different interests or qualities.
For instance, it’s clear that all people are similar in some way. After all, we all belong to the human race, so we have natural similarities regardless of any other objective value.
But when it comes down to it, almost everyone has different quirks, tastes, styles, and much more.
So, you can use this to show that everything has differences as long as you look for long enough.
Also, check out these examples to learn more:
It’s different strokes for different folks, so you won’t find anyone who wants to do it in the same manner as you.
Everyone has a different approach to this, even if the goal is the same. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose!
3. Like Apples and Oranges
Feel free to use the idiom “like apples and oranges.” The implication here is that both items are fruits, but they are completely different in taste and texture.
Of course, it’s a great way to describe something that is the same but different.
It’s clear and well-known, too. So, it doesn’t often require much more of an explanation if you want to use it in your writing.
You can also check out these examples to learn a bit more about it:
Comparing those two events would be like apples and oranges. They’re not quite the same, so you can’t treat them as such.
That’s like apples and oranges. They’re not quite the same, and I’m not sure if it’s worth pursuing both items.
4. Cut From the Same Cloth but With Different Patterns
You may have heard “cut from the same cloth” before. This idiom means that two things are the same in almost every way.
However, if you extend it, you can use “cut from the same cloth but with different patterns.”
Now, the implication is that the two things are similar, but they have clearly different goals or styles.
Therefore, this is a great way to describe two projects or targets that seem similar on the surface. However, once you dig a bit deeper, you’ll quickly learn they’re not the same.
Also, you can review these examples to learn more about it:
These are cut from the same cloth but with different patterns. So, I recommend doing both to see which works better for you.
It’s clear both targets are cut from the same cloth but with different patterns. You’ll have to make a choice quickly!
5. Similar Tunes With Different Lyrics
You can also use “similar tunes with different lyrics.” This is a fun way to suggest that two things appear similar but have different outcomes.
For instance, think about music for a second.
Two songs can have very similar tunes or basslines. However, as soon as the singers start, they sing completely different words. One could be a happy song; one could be sad.
Whatever the case, the songs sound similar at first, but the lyrics change the tone. This also applies to other situations when two things appear similar but are actually quite different.
So, you can review these samples to learn a bit more:
I worked on both, and they were similar tunes with different lyrics. It wasn’t worth comparing them at the end.
They’re similar tunes with different lyrics. That’s how I would describe the twins.
6. In the Same Ballpark but Playing Different Games
Next, we recommend using “in the same ballpark but playing different games.”
This is a fun and unique way to show that two things appear similar but aren’t in reality.
For instance, two people in the same ballpark are the same geographically. However, if they play two different games, the games are what separate the people in the park.
Therefore, it refers to things that appear like they could be similar until further digging or research is done.
You may want to review these examples to learn more:
The projects are in the same ballpark but playing different games. I need both of you to work on them.
It’s clear these are in the same ballpark but playing different games. We’ll have to focus on the clear differences.
7. Two Roads Diverged From a Common Path
We also recommend trying “two roads diverged from a common path.”
This is an excellent way to show how two things are very similar but ultimately different.
The implication here is that a common path diverges into two different paths. So, if someone is walking the path, they will have to choose which one to go down!
Either way, they have two completely different routes ahead of them.
You should also review these examples to learn more:
These outcomes are two roads diverged from a common path. I’m afraid there’s nothing else we can do.
It’s clear that these are two roads diverged from a common path. Really, we’re going to have to treat them separately.
8. Same Roots With Different Branches
Try mixing things up by using “same roots with different branches” instead of “similar but different.”
This phrase works well as a synonym in most written cases. You can use it when comparing businesses that seem to have started in a similar way.
However, if you can also spot differences between those businesses, it’s worth mentioning this phrase. It’s a decent way to remain a bit formal when using an idiomatic expression.
Also, you can check out these examples to learn more:
The businesses have the same roots with different branches. So, they might appear similar, but be careful.
They have the same roots with different branches. It’s clear that there are more differences here than anything else.
9. Analogous
An excellent word for “similar but different” is “analogous.”
You can use this when you think two things are comparable in most aspects but not all aspects.
Usually, if you think something is analogous to another item, it allows you to compare the two in a distinct way.
This is a formal and direct way to help indicate connections between two things. So, readers will often understand what you mean when using this.
If you’re still confused, perhaps you can review these samples:
They’re analogous to a father and son, but they’re so different in how they think. It’s quite interesting to me.
Both of them are analogous, which is why it’s tricky to tell them apart. We must investigate further.
10. Comparable
Finally, you can use “comparable” as another word meaning “similar but different.”
This time, it’s a simple yet effective choice that shows how too things might connect.
Technically, “comparable” works when two things are directly connected or seem to be connected. In this context, we want you to focus on the “seem to be connected” meaning.
After all, it suggests that the two items appear similar, but they have distinct differences to highlight.
Finally, check out these examples to learn a little bit more:
These situations are comparable to ones we’ve been through before, but they obviously stand on their own feet.
It’s comparable to something else I’ve noticed. However, there are too many differences here to make this work.