similar to when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "similar to when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to draw a comparison between two situations or events that share a resemblance in timing or context. Example: "The weather today is similar to when we had that unexpected snowstorm last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maplewood feels very similar to when I was young".

The New York Times - Magazine

"They feel the spirits here are very friendly, similar to when they started out in Chicago".

The New York Times

This is similar to when a domestic pressure cooker gets to steam.

The Guardian

You're acting stupid.' It's very similar to when I was busted by my parents".

The New York Times - Style

"It's similar to when a foreign coach comes in to manage a soccer team.

Independent

But in a funny way it was very similar to when Mr. Balanchine passed away.

The New York Times - Arts

In neurochemical terms, it's very similar to when you take a drug".

Independent

The dynamics for this game will be greatly similar to when the Giants played in Houston Nov. 24.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a feeling similar to when there's a death in the family," said Dolores Fabiano, a high school teacher.

The New York Times

But I feel great and it feels pretty similar to when I first got selected so it's really exciting".

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Mackin said that security at the game would be similar to "when we secure an event for the president".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the comparison you're making is relevant and adds value to the reader's understanding. Avoid using it for trivial or obvious similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "similar to when" for comparisons that are too vague or lack specific details. Always provide enough context so the reader understands the basis of the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "similar to when" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an adverbial clause of comparison. It serves to draw a parallel between two distinct moments or situations based on shared attributes or characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and prevalent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "similar to when" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to draw comparisons between events or situations sharing temporal or contextual resemblances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives such as "like when" and "comparable to when" exist, "similar to when" provides a specific nuance, highlighting both the resemblance and the temporal aspect. To avoid misuse, ensure comparisons are clear and provide adequate context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like when

A more informal and direct way to express similarity in time or circumstance.

as with when

Emphasizes a parallel or correspondence between situations.

akin to when

A more formal way of saying "similar to when", implying a close resemblance.

comparable to when

Highlights the aspects that are alike or equivalent.

reminiscent of when

Suggests a past event is brought to mind by a current situation.

much like when

Emphasizes the degree of similarity between two events.

just as when

Draws a direct parallel, often emphasizing simultaneous occurrence.

in the same way as when

A more elaborate way to express similarity in manner or method.

analogous to when

Implies a correspondence or partial similarity, often used in more formal contexts.

paralleling when

Highlights the fact that two things are happening or developing in a similar way.

FAQs

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

You can use "similar to when" to compare two events or situations that share a resemblance. For example, "The atmosphere in the stadium was "similar to when" the home team won the championship last year."

What are some alternatives to "similar to when"?

Some alternatives include "like when", "comparable to when", or "as with when", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify the 'when' part after using "similar to"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the 'when' adds clarity and context to your comparison. Without it, the similarity might be too vague or open to misinterpretation.

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

"Similar to when" is used to compare events or situations that have a temporal aspect. "Similar to" is a more general comparison that doesn't necessarily involve time. For example, 'The design is similar to the previous model' vs. 'The feeling was similar to when I graduated'.