Similar to vs. Similarly to – Which is Correct?
While both “similar to” and “similarly to” are grammatically correct, they serve distinct functions in a sentence. “Similar to” is a prepositional phrase acting adjectivally, meaning ‘resembling’ or ‘like’. “Similarly to” is an adverbial phrase, meaning ‘in a comparable manner’ or ‘in the same way as’, with “similarly” modifying a verb or an action.
Similar to or Similarly to – Which is Correct?
The choice between “similar to” and “similarly to” hinges on whether you need an adjective or an adverb. “Similar” is an adjective, meaning ‘having a resemblance or likeness’. When combined with “to,” “similar to” functions as a prepositional phrase, often describing a noun or pronoun. For example, “His painting is similar to a Picasso.” Here, “similar to” describes “painting.”
On the other hand, “similarly” is an adverb, meaning ‘in a similar manner’. When used with “to,” “similarly to” forms an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or an action, indicating how something is done. For instance, “She reacted similarly to her sister.” Here, “similarly to” describes how she reacted.
Both phrases are correct, but their appropriate use depends entirely on the grammatical role they need to play within the sentence.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, use the “What/How” test:
- Ask “What is it like?” If the answer describes a noun, you likely need “similar to.” Think of it as describing a characteristic.
- Ask “How is it done?” If the answer describes an action or verb, you likely need “similarly to.” Think of it as describing the manner of an action.
Another trick: If you can replace the phrase with “like” (meaning ‘resembling’), then “similar to” is probably correct. If you can replace it with “in a similar way as,” then “similarly to” is probably correct.
| Word/Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similar to | Prepositional Phrase (Adjectival) | Resembling; having characteristics in common with | Her new house is similar to her old one. |
| Similarly to | Adverbial Phrase | In a comparable manner or way to | He reacted similarly to his brother when he heard the news. |
How to Use Similar to
“Similar to” is a prepositional phrase where “similar” acts as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun or pronoun, indicating that it shares characteristics or a resemblance with something else. It answers the question “What kind?” or “What is it like?”. This phrase is common in both formal and informal contexts.
Example 1: The new software interface is very similar to the previous version, making it easy for users to adapt.
Example 2: Her artistic style is quite similar to that of Van Gogh, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors.
Example 3: The climate in this region is similar to a Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Etymology of the word Similar to
The word “similar” originates from the Latin word similis, meaning ‘like, resembling’. It entered English in the late 16th century. The preposition “to” has Old English roots (tō) and indicates direction, relationship, or comparison. Together, “similar to” forms a fixed phrase that has been a standard part of English grammar for centuries, expressing resemblance or likeness.
How to Use Similarly to
“Similarly to” is an adverbial phrase, where “similarly” functions as an adverb to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It describes the manner in which an action is performed or how something compares in degree. It answers the question “How?” or “In what way?”. This construction is also used in both formal and informal writing and speech, emphasizing a comparable action or process.
Example 1: The junior engineer presented his findings similarly to how his mentor would, with clear data and concise explanations.
Example 2: When faced with the challenge, she responded similarly to her past experiences, approaching it with calm determination.
Example 3: The new policy will be implemented similarly to the protocol established last year, ensuring consistency across departments.
Etymology of the word Similarly to
“Similarly” is formed by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to the adjective “similar.” This suffix, derived from Old English -līce, transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating ‘in a (specified) manner’. Thus, “similarly” means ‘in a similar manner’. The preposition “to” maintains its role in establishing a relationship or comparison. The phrase “similarly to” therefore evolved as a natural extension of English morphology to describe actions or states in a comparative way.
Related Concepts
Understanding a few core grammatical concepts can help clarify when to use “similar to” versus “similarly to.”
- Adjectives and Adverbs: An adjective modifies a noun or pronoun (e.g., “similar car”). An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb (e.g., “similarly ran,” “similarly difficult,” “similarly quickly”). The distinction between “similar” and “similarly” is fundamental to their correct usage.
- Prepositional Phrases: Both “similar to” and “similarly to” can be considered prepositional phrases because they include a preposition (“to”) and its object. However, their internal structure and overall function differ. “Similar to” often acts adjectivally, describing a noun. “Similarly to” functions adverbially, describing a verb or action.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The feeling was similar to the one he’d had as a child, waiting for Christmas morning.” (Adjectival use, describing ‘feeling’)
- “He dressed similarly to his friends, preferring casual attire over formal wear.” (Adverbial use, describing ‘dressed’)
- “The new species of bird has a call that is remarkably similar to the common robin.” (Adjectival use, describing ‘call’)
- “She structured her argument similarly to the way her professor taught, building from evidence to conclusion.” (Adverbial use, describing ‘structured’)
- “Their approach to problem-solving was similar to that of a seasoned detective, methodical and precise.” (Adjectival use, describing ‘approach’)
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The architect designed the new building ______ the historic structure next door.
- Her new haircut is quite ______ the style popular in the 1990s.
- The team performed ______ their previous match, with strong defense but weak offense.
- His reaction to the surprise was ______ a child’s on Christmas morning.
- The software update functions ______ its predecessor, but with improved speed.
Answer Key
- similarly to
- similar to
- similarly to
- similar to
- similarly to
Similar to Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Akin to | Related by blood; similar in character or quality. |
| Comparable to | Able to be compared; having features in common with. |
| Analogous to | Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared. |
| Resembling | Having a similar appearance to or qualities in common with (someone or something); looking or being like. |
| Like | Having the same characteristics or qualities as; similar to. |
Similarly to Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| In the same way as | Following an identical or comparable method or manner. |
| Comparably to | In a manner that allows for comparison; in a similar fashion. |
| Likewise to | In the same way; also; similarly (often followed by a verb or clause). |
| In a similar fashion to | Performing an action or task using a method or style that is comparable to. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I always replace “similar to” with “like”?
While “like” can often replace “similar to” in informal contexts, “similar to” is generally preferred in formal writing to avoid ambiguity or the perception of improper grammar (e.g., using “like” as a conjunction). For instance, “Her dress is similar to mine” is always correct, whereas “Her dress is like mine” is also acceptable, though some purists might argue for “as mine” if comparing clauses.
Question 2: Is “similarly to” considered redundant?
No, “similarly to” is not redundant when used correctly. “Similarly” is an adverb, and “to” is a preposition. The phrase specifies how an action relates to something else. It effectively means “in a similar way as.” If you were to say just “similarly,” it would describe the action but not necessarily specify the object of comparison without further context.
Question 3: When should I use “similar” by itself?
You use “similar” as an adjective directly modifying a noun, without “to,” when the comparison is implied or when it’s part of a direct description. For example, “They have similar interests” (describing ‘interests’). You would only add “to” when you’re explicitly comparing one thing to another specific thing, as in “Their interests are similar to ours.”
Conclusion
Mastering the distinction between “similar to” and “similarly to” enhances the precision and clarity of your writing. Remember that “similar to” describes what something is like (adjectival function), while “similarly to” describes how an action is performed (adverbial function). By applying the “What/How” test and understanding their grammatical roles, you can confidently choose the correct phrase.
Pro Tip: Using these phrases accurately demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar, which is crucial for maintaining a professional reputation in academic, business, and creative writing contexts. Precision in language reflects precision in thought.
