similar to

USAGE SUMMARY

"similar to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two different things, such as, "The temperature today is similar to the temperature yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's similar to Bergman.

The New Yorker

It's similar to Mandela.

The New York Times

(Similar to the pipeline).

The New Yorker

"Very similar to last time.

The New York Times - Sports

Probably quite similar to myself.

The New York Times - Sports

It was similar to here.

Independent

Very similar to the U6.

The New York Times

It sounds similar to "Carrie".

The New York Times

Sounds very similar to me.

The New Yorker

It's similar to other oils.

The New York Times

It's most similar to Europe".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "similar to", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is similar to that", specify "This process is similar to the process used in...".

Common error

Avoid using "similar with" instead of "similar to". The correct preposition to use with "similar" is always "to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "similar to" functions as a preposition, introducing a noun or pronoun that indicates the thing to which something is being compared. It establishes a relationship of resemblance or likeness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

26%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "similar to" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons and highlight resemblances across various contexts. As Ludwig AI validates, its function is to establish a relationship of likeness between two things. It finds frequent use in "News & Media", academia, and scientific writing, indicating a neutral formality level. Remember to avoid the common mistake of using "similar with" instead of "similar to". Alternatives such as "akin to" or "comparable to" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

akin to

Suggests a resemblance or affinity, often implying a shared characteristic or nature.

comparable to

Indicates that two things can be compared, often because they share significant similarities.

analogous to

Implies a similarity in some respects, often used to explain something unfamiliar by referencing something familiar.

resembling

Directly points out a visual or superficial likeness.

like

A simpler, more general way to express similarity.

in the same vein as

Suggests a similarity in style, approach, or spirit.

sharing characteristics with

Highlights the shared traits between two or more things.

on a par with

Indicates that something is of equal quality or standing.

mirroring

Suggests a very close resemblance, as if one thing is a reflection of another.

bearing resemblance to

A formal way of stating that something looks or seems like something else.

FAQs

How can I use "similar to" in a sentence?

Use "similar to" to draw a comparison between two things. For example, "The climate here is "similar to" that of southern Italy".

What are some alternatives to saying "similar to"?

You can use alternatives such as "akin to", "comparable to", or "resembling" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "similar with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "similar" is "to", not "with". Therefore, ""similar to"" is the grammatically correct phrase.

What's the difference between ""similar to"" and "identical to"?

"Similar to" indicates a resemblance or likeness, whereas "identical to" means exactly the same.