What is same? Pronunciation and usage in English

same means . Learn how to pronounce and use same through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of same

sameadjective

/seɪm/
Definition & pronunciation of same

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "same" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is: /seɪm/ (saym)

Let's break it down further:

  • "se" – Pronounce this like the "say" in "saying". Short and crisp.
  • "a" – Pronounce this like the "a" in "father" or "cat". A short, open vowel sound.
  • "m" – Pronounce this like the "m" in "mom" or "man".

Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t say “sam”: This is a very common mistake. The "a" sound is crucial.
  • The "e" is silent: Don’t produce a long "a" sound (like in "late"). The “e” acts as a schwa sound (a very weak, unstressed vowel sound – it’s almost like a short “uh”).

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/same/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce same" – you’ll find many helpful videos.

To summarize: Say it like "saym."

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word same in English

Let's break down how to use the word "same" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different roles. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective (Comparing Things)

This is the most common usage. "Same" means identical or alike.

  • Example: “This apple is same as the one I bought yesterday.” (Meaning: identical)
  • Example: “Are these shoes the same color?” (Meaning: identical in color)
  • Example: “He wants the same thing I want.” (Meaning: identical desire)

2. As a Pronoun (Referring Back to Something)

"Same" can replace a previously mentioned noun or idea. It's often used in more formal writing or speech. It’s less common in everyday casual conversation.

  • Example: "I asked her if she wanted the same dress." (Referring back to "dress")
  • Example: "The company offered the same benefits as its competitors." (Referring back to "benefits")
  • Example: “The problem is the same as before.” (Referring back to “problem”)

3. With Numbers – "The Same" (Showing Equal Value)

When used with numbers, “the same” indicates equal value or the same quantity.

  • Example: “It costs the same as last week.” (Meaning: equal price)
  • Example: “I need the same amount of time to finish the project.” (Meaning: equal duration)
  • Example: “The two tickets are the same price.” (Meaning: equal price)

4. In Phrases – Important Ones to Know

  • Same old: Used to describe something familiar and unchanging, often in a slightly negative way. “It’s always the same old story.”
  • Same as: Expressing similarity. “This tastes same as the last one.”
  • Same time tomorrow: Referring to a scheduled event. “Let’s meet same time tomorrow.”

Important Notes & Common Mistakes:

  • “Same” vs. “Similar”: These words are related but have different meanings. “Same” means identical. “Similar” means alike but not necessarily identical.

    • Example: "The houses are similar in style, but they aren't the same."

  • Don't Overuse It: "Same" can sound a bit repetitive if you use it too frequently. Vary your language with synonyms like “identical,” “equal,” “alike,” "the same," or rephrase the sentence.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Same" is more common in formal writing and speech than in casual conversation. Most native speakers would simply say “the same” in most informal situations.

Let's Practice!

Can you create a sentence using “same” in one of the ways described above? I'll check your sentence and provide feedback. 👍

Synonyms for the word same

Idioms of the word same

same old, same old
(informal)used to say that a situation has not changed at all
  • ‘How's it going?’ ‘Oh, same old, same old.’
the same old story, stuff, nonsense, etc.
(informal)used to say that a situation or the excuses, products or entertainment being offered have not improved at all
  • It's the same old story  —budget cuts and government neglect.
  • The band's new album includes the same old stuff they've been playing forever.

Practice with vocabulary same

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite their different roles, all team members share the _______ core values regarding project integrity.
  2. The company aims to provide a consistently high level of service across all branches, ensuring the customer experience is always the _______.
  3. The two research papers presented _______ conclusions, even though they used slightly different methodologies.
  4. Each department has its _______ budget and expenditure guidelines, reflecting their unique operational needs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. All applicants for the scholarship must meet the _______ eligibility criteria to be considered. A) varied B) same C) different D) individual

  2. The new policy dictates that all project proposals must follow the _______ format and submission guidelines. A) identical B) consistent C) same D) unique

  3. After the restructuring, employees in similar roles will receive the _______ salary and benefits package. A) varied B) diverse C) same D) other

  4. The two prototypes showed _______ features, but Prototype B had slightly better energy efficiency. A) unique B) diverse C) similar D) distinct

  5. Each country in the trade agreement maintains its _______ economic policies, though they cooperate on trade regulations. A) uniform B) identical C) distinct D) universal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The security procedures are exactly alike for all staff members, irrespective of their department. (Rewrite the sentence to use "same" or related word forms.)

  2. Both companies experienced an equivalent level of growth in the last fiscal year. (Rewrite the sentence to use "same" or related word forms.)

  3. The results from the two independent experiments did not vary at all. (Rewrite the sentence without using "same", but using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. same
  2. same
  3. similar
  4. own

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) same
  2. A) identical, C) same
  3. C) same
  4. C) similar
  5. C) distinct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The security procedures are the same for all staff members, irrespective of their department.
  2. Both companies experienced the same level of growth in the last fiscal year.
  3. The results from the two independent experiments were consistent.

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