similarity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "similarity to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how one thing resembles or is alike another thing. Example: "The similarity to previous studies suggests that the results may be consistent across different populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's no similarity to human beings".

The New York Times

There was another similarity to his father.

The New York Times

Presidential candidates have a certain similarity to high-tech gadgets.

The New Yorker

The physical similarity to the lodge is striking.

The New York Times - Travel

But otherwise, Bernie Sanders bears no similarity to Barack Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Too much similarity to Karl Rove," he added.

The New York Times

But the biggest similarity to Moses may be visible success.

The New York Times

Shelley's Hell bears a close similarity to Regency London.

The Guardian - Books

Given its similarity to the British version, why watch it?

The Guardian

Clinton's people insist that any similarity to Warren is coincidental.

The New Yorker

The apes' genetic similarity to people has long caused a quandary.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure the comparison is clear and helps the reader understand the relationship between the concepts.

Common error

Avoid implying a causal relationship when only a "similarity to" exists. Similarity does not necessarily mean one thing caused the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "similarity to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to indicate a resemblance or likeness between two subjects. It's used to draw comparisons, highlighting common characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "similarity to" serves as a crucial tool for establishing comparisons and highlighting shared traits between various subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and exhibits a very common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "resemblance to" and "likeness to" exist, understanding its purpose and avoiding confusion with causation is key. By grasping its function and usage, writers can effectively leverage "similarity to" to enhance clarity and depth in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemblance to

Emphasizes a visual or superficial likeness.

likeness to

Highlights a similarity in appearance or character.

correspondence to

Suggests a direct parallel or matching relationship.

analogy to

Draws a comparison to illustrate a point or explain something.

parallel to

Indicates a comparable or analogous relationship.

affinity with

Suggests a natural connection or attraction.

connection to

Points out an association or link between two things.

relation to

Indicates a broader, less specific connection.

association with

Highlights a connection or link, often implying a looser relationship.

bearing on

Focuses on relevance or influence, rather than direct similarity.

FAQs

How to use "similarity to" in a sentence?

Use "similarity to" to point out resemblances between two things. For instance, "The "similarity to" previous studies suggests consistent results".

What can I say instead of "similarity to"?

You can use alternatives like "resemblance to", "likeness to", or "correspondence to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "similarity to" or "similarity with"?

"Similarity to" is generally preferred when comparing two distinct subjects. "Similarity with" is less common but can be used, though "to" is more idiomatic.

What's the difference between "similarity to" and "relevance to"?

"Similarity to" indicates a resemblance in characteristics, while "relevance to" indicates that something is related or important to a particular subject. They are not interchangeable.