Similar With vs. Similar To – Which is Correct?
Use similar to, not similar with, when saying that two people or things resemble each other. Similar is an adjective normally followed by the preposition to: “This design is similar to that one.” Similar with is generally a nonstandard prepositional combination in modern standard English, especially in careful writing.
Similar With or Similar To – Which is Correct?
Similar to is the correct standard expression. Use it to compare two people, objects, ideas, situations, or qualities that share characteristics. For example, “Her approach is similar to mine” means that her approach resembles mine.
Similar with is generally considered incorrect when with introduces the thing being compared. This error probably comes from confusion with adjectives such as compatible with, familiar with, and consistent with, which correctly use with.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the “resembles” swap test. If you can replace similar to with resembles, choose to: “This painting is similar to that one” becomes “This painting resembles that one.” Do not say “This painting resembles with that one.” Therefore, the correct pattern is always similar to + noun or pronoun.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| similar with | Nonstandard phrase | An incorrect or inappropriate preposition after similar | Avoid: “The two reports are similar with each other.” |
| similar to | Adjective phrase | Resembling someone or something else | “The two reports are similar to each other.” |
How to Use Similar To
Similar to is used when one thing resembles another in appearance, behavior, structure, purpose, quality, or effect. The adjective similar is followed by to, and the object of comparison comes after the preposition.
The expression works in casual conversation, professional communication, academic writing, and formal reports. It can compare nouns, pronouns, actions, and entire situations. The comparison may be strong or limited, so writers often add words such as very, quite, somewhat, or closely.
Example 1: This phone is similar to the model released last year.
Example 2: Her writing style is very similar to her mentor’s.
Example 3: The effects of sleep deprivation can be similar to those of stress.
What Are the Different Forms of Similar?
Similar is an adjective. Its usual comparative and superlative forms are more similar and most similar, rather than similer and similest.
- Positive: similar — “The two solutions are similar.”
- Comparative: more similar — “The second solution is more similar to the original.”
- Superlative: most similar — “This is the most similar version available.”
The phrase can also appear with adverbs that modify the strength of the comparison, including nearly similar, highly similar, closely similar, and somewhat similar. In many contexts, almost identical or closely resembling may express a stronger relationship than similar.
Etymology of the Word Similar
Similar entered English through French and Latin. It comes from the Latin word similis, meaning “like” or “resembling.” The related word similarity refers to the quality or condition of being alike. The preposition to became established as the standard partner of similar in English.
Related Concepts
Understanding adjective-preposition combinations makes it easier to choose the correct expression after similar. English adjectives often require particular prepositions, and those combinations must usually be learned as fixed patterns.
- Adjective-preposition combinations: Some adjectives regularly pair with a specific preposition. For example, we say similar to, different from, interested in, and responsible for.
- Comparative language: Comparisons show how people or things resemble or differ from one another. Words such as like, unlike, resemble, and different help express these relationships.
- Pronoun case after to: When a pronoun follows to, use the object form in direct comparisons: “The result was similar to mine,” not usually “similar to I.”
- Redundancy with each other: You may say “The two plans are similar” or “The two plans are similar to each other.” The longer form is grammatical but may be unnecessary when the comparison is already clear.
Examples from Media and Literature
The expression similar to is common when critics, journalists, authors, and commentators compare characters, events, products, and ideas.
- Film criticism: A reviewer might write, “The film’s visual style is similar to that of classic noir movies.”
- Book reviews: A literary critic could describe a new fantasy novel as “similar to earlier works by Ursula K. Le Guin,” while still emphasizing its original features.
- News reporting: A report about two storms might state, “The latest weather pattern is similar to the conditions recorded in 2018.”
- Science writing: An article might explain, “The laboratory results were similar to those observed in previous experiments.”
- Product comparisons: A technology review may say, “This camera is similar to its predecessor but has a faster processor.”
Similar To Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| alike | Similar in appearance, nature, or qualities |
| resembling | Looking or being like another person or thing |
| comparable to | Similar enough to be usefully compared |
| akin to | Similar in character, nature, or quality; somewhat formal |
| analogous to | Similar in a particular relationship or function |
| like | Having characteristics that resemble something else |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is it similar with or similar to?
The standard expression is similar to. For example, say “This design is similar to the original,” not “This design is similar with the original.”
Question 2: Can I say “similar with each other”?
No. In standard English, use similar to each other: “The siblings are similar to each other.” You can also simply say, “The siblings are similar.”
Question 3: Is “similar to” formal or informal?
Similar to is neutral and works in both casual and formal English. It is appropriate in conversation, business writing, academic essays, technical documents, and journalism.
Question 4: What is the difference between “similar to” and “like”?
Both expressions can indicate resemblance. Similar to is an adjective phrase, while like is commonly used as a preposition or adjective in informal comparisons. “The two systems are similar to each other” and “The two systems are alike” are both standard.
Question 5: Should I use “more similar” or “similer”?
Use more similar. The standard comparative form is “This version is more similar to the original.” The form similer is not standard English.
Conclusion
Choose similar to whenever you describe a resemblance between two people, things, ideas, or situations. Similar with is generally a preposition error caused by confusion with expressions such as compatible with. Pro Tip: Using the established adjective-preposition pairing in professional writing improves clarity and protects your credibility.
