"the same perpetrator" vs "possibly the same perpetrator"

Question

"the same perpetrator" vs "possibly the same perpetrator"

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Possibly the same perpetrator' suggests a level of uncertainty, indicating that the perpetrator could be the same but it is not confirmed. On the other hand, 'the same perpetrator' implies a definitive identification of the perpetrator. The choice between the two depends on the degree of certainty you want to express.

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

This phrase is used when there is certainty that the perpetrator is the same in different situations or cases.

Examples:

The DNA evidence confirmed that it was the same perpetrator in both crimes.
After further investigation, it was clear that the same perpetrator was responsible for all the thefts.

Alternatives:

the identical perpetrator
the very same perpetrator
the exact same perpetrator
the one and only perpetrator
the sole perpetrator

This phrase is used when there is a suspicion or likelihood that the perpetrator is the same, but it has not been confirmed.

Examples:

The two crimes have similarities, so they were possibly committed by the same perpetrator.
The evidence suggests that it is possibly the same perpetrator involved in both cases.

Alternatives:

potentially the same perpetrator
potentially the same suspect
likely the same perpetrator
possibly the culprit
possibly the offender

Answer 1

the same perpetrator

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a definitive identification of the perpetrator.

Answer 2

possibly the same perpetrator

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a level of uncertainty regarding the identity of the perpetrator.

"the same perpetrator" vs "possibly the same perpetrator"

the same perpetrator

possibly the same perpetrator

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