The Same As, Different From, Similar To
In this lesson, you can identify an identical feature with the same as.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Before you start
Give one similarity between two rooms.
See one possible response
Both rooms have large windows.
Two friends compare rooms for a short course. Look for a difference between identical details and general resemblance.
What you will practise
- Identify an identical feature with the same as.
- Describe a difference without adding an unsupported ranking.
- Describe partial resemblance and add a contrasting detail.
Answer first. Then check one model. Keep the meaning and the target pattern.
The same as
Use the same as to say that a thing or a feature matches. Keep the before same. Be clear about what matches: the same colour does not mean the same size.
My room is the same size as yours.
These two keys look the same.
Different from
Use different from to point out a difference. Name the feature when that helps your listener. Different does not tell us which option is better.
This desk is different from the one upstairs.
Our rooms have different views.
Similar to
Use similar to when things are alike but not necessarily identical. You can name the similarity and then add a difference with but. Do not replace similar to with the same as unless the stronger claim fits.
The layout is similar to my old room.
The chairs are similar, but this one is wider.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Then compare the meaning and grammar with the model.
1. Complete: This table is ___ same height ___ that one.
Compare a model and explanation
This table is the same height as that one.
Keep the before same and as before the comparison.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
2. Correct: My key is same as yours.
Compare a model and explanation
My key is the same as yours.
Same needs the in this pattern.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
3. Room A has a balcony. Room B has no balcony. Describe one difference.
Compare a model and explanation
Room A is different from Room B: it has a balcony.
The explanation identifies a real difference rather than a ranking.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
4. Two chairs are different. Must one be better? Explain briefly.
Compare a model and explanation
No. Different does not mean better or worse.
A difference alone does not establish quality.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
5. Complete with to or as: The new design is similar ___ the old one.
Compare a model and explanation
The new design is similar to the old one.
Use to after similar in this construction.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
6. Both coats are black. One is long and one is short. Say what is the same and what is different.
Compare a model and explanation
They’re the same colour, but they’re different lengths.
Limit same to the feature that matches.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
7. A note says two flats are identical. Their layouts are alike, but their sizes differ. Replace identical with a more careful comparison.
Compare a model and explanation
The flats have similar layouts, but they are different sizes.
Similar does not claim that every detail matches.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
8. Two notebooks have twenty pages each. Their covers look alike, but one is green and one is blue. Compare page count, design and colour.
Compare a model and explanation
They have the same number of pages and similar covers, but they are different colours.
Keep identical quantity separate from general resemblance and the stated difference.
Accept a grammatical alternative that satisfies the stated prompt and this item’s explanation; the model is not an exhaustive exact-string key.
A short conversation
Listen to the exchange, then take one role. The speaker labels identify roles; do not narrate them.
Open the conversation transcript
Guest: Is this room the same as the one in the picture?
Host: It’s the same size, but the desk is different.
Guest: The chairs look similar. Are they comfortable?
Host: Yes. This one is a little wider, though.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract, then choose the best answer. These three questions have their own score.
Answer key with explanations
What matches exactly?
Their size.: The speaker restricts the match to size.
Compare all choices
- Their size.: The speaker restricts the match to size.
- Every feature.: A difference is explicitly mentioned.
- Their page count.: The blue folder has more pages.
Does different mean the speaker prefers every new feature?
No. The speaker prefers one old feature.: The colour preference rules out that broad claim.
Compare all choices
- Yes. Everything new is better.: The speaker preferred the old colour.
- No. The speaker prefers one old feature.: The colour preference rules out that broad claim.
- The kitchens are identical.: More space and a different colour contradict this.
Which description is supported?
They resemble each other but differ in one stated feature.: Similar and the handle difference both support this.
Compare all choices
- Their shapes are completely different.: The speaker says their shapes are alike.
- Both have a handle.: Only one has a handle.
- They resemble each other but differ in one stated feature.: Similar and the handle difference both support this.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Answer key with explanations
Complete: It’s ___ same model as mine.
the: The same is the required phrase here.
Compare all choices
- an: An does not replace the before same.
- a: A same model is not the target pattern.
- the: The same is the required phrase here.
Complete: My screen is the same size ___ yours.
as: The same … as compares the matching feature.
Compare all choices
- as: The same … as compares the matching feature.
- to: To belongs with similar here, not the same.
- from: From belongs with different in the taught pattern.
Use the pattern taught here: This route is different ___ our usual route.
from: Different from is the target pattern and works across British and American English.
Compare all choices
- of: Different of is not the required complement.
- from: Different from is the target pattern and works across British and American English.
- as: Different as does not form this comparison.
The prices are different. What can you conclude from that sentence alone?
The prices do not match.: Difference establishes a mismatch, not a value judgement.
Compare all choices
- The dearer item is better.: Price difference does not establish quality.
- Both prices are low.: No actual prices or low-price judgement are given.
- The prices do not match.: Difference establishes a mismatch, not a value judgement.
Complete: This fabric is similar ___ the sample.
to: Similar takes to in this comparison.
Compare all choices
- to: Similar takes to in this comparison.
- from: From does not express resemblance after similar.
- as: Similar as is not the pattern required here.
Two boxes share a colour but not a size. Which statement is precise?
They’re the same colour but different sizes.: It states the matching and differing features.
Compare all choices
- They’re the same in every way.: Their sizes differ.
- They’re the same colour but different sizes.: It states the matching and differing features.
- They have no similar features.: Their shared colour is a matching feature.
A new tune reminds you of another tune but is not identical. Choose the careful comparison.
It’s similar to the other tune.: Similar expresses resemblance without identity.
Compare all choices
- It has no connection with the other tune.: That denies the stated resemblance.
- It’s exactly the same tune.: Exactly the same overstates the information.
- It’s similar to the other tune.: Similar expresses resemblance without identity.
Two cups each hold 250 millilitres. One is white and one is yellow. Choose the supported message.
They hold the same amount, but they’re different colours.: Both parts match the supplied facts.
Compare all choices
- They hold the same amount, but they’re different colours.: Both parts match the supplied facts.
- They’re the same colour but hold different amounts.: Both relationships are reversed.
- They’re identical.: Their colours differ.
Use it in your own words
Compare matching details
Choose two objects with one matching feature. Say exactly what is the same.
Reveal a possible response
These two shelves are the same height. They aren’t the same width.
- I keep the before same.
- I identify the matching feature.
Use the same … as or the same plus a feature. Real or invented objects are fine.
Make a careful recommendation
Compare two rooms. Give one similarity and one difference without saying which is best.
Reveal a possible response
The rooms have similar layouts, but their windows are different sizes. The prices are the same.
- I use similar and different accurately.
- I do not invent a quality ranking.
Use a clear feature comparison, not only isolated adjectives.
Put it all together
A friend wants to recognise a suitcase at a collection point. Compare it with another case: one exact match, one resemblance and one useful difference. Invent the details.
Reveal a possible response
Our cases are the same colour. Their shapes are similar, but mine is different from yours: it has a red handle. Look for the red handle.
- I separate exact match from resemblance.
- I name a useful difference.
- My listener can identify the case.
Use the suitcase task as a new context. Other grammatical descriptions that preserve the distinctions are welcome.
Take it with you
The same as identifies a matching feature. Different from marks a difference. Similar to means resemblance, not complete identity.