Similar To vs Similarly To is a common grammar topic that confuses many English learners and even native speakers. Although both phrases relate to comparison, they are used in different sentence structures and serve different grammatical purposes. Knowing when to use each one can instantly improve your writing and make your sentences sound more natural and professional.
In this guide, you’ll learn the clear difference between Similar To and Similarly To, along with simple rules and real-life examples. Whether you’re writing an essay, blog post, or formal document, understanding these phrases will help you avoid mistakes and communicate your ideas more clearly and confidently.
Why “Similar To” and “Similarly To” Cause So Much Confusion
English loves word families. Quick becomes quickly. Happiness becomes happiness. That pattern tricks people here.
Writers assume:
If similar is right then similarly must also work.
Not quite.
The confusion usually comes from:
- Trying to sound more formal
- Translating directly from another language
- Mixing up adjectives and adverbs
- Avoiding the word like because it feels casual
Small grammar swaps can change clarity fast. Readers may not explain why a sentence sounds odd. They just feel the bump.
The Core Difference Between Similar To and Similarly To
| Phrase | Word Type | Main Job | Standard Usage | Natural Example |
| Similar to | Adjective + preposition | Compares nouns | Correct | This design is similar to the old version. |
| Similarly | Adverb | Connects ideas or actions | Correct | The first plan failed. Similarly, the second collapsed. |
| Similarly to | Adverb + preposition | Forced comparison | Usually awkward | Similarly to last year… |
Key insight:
Similar things describe things.
Similarly describes actions or whole ideas.
What “Similar To” Really Means
Similar to shows resemblance. Two things share features. They are not identical. They overlap.
Structure Pattern
Subject + be + similar to + noun
Examples in Context
- Her teaching style is similar to her mentor’s.
- This fabric feels similar to silk.
- The new policy is similar to last year’s rule.
Notice what happens here. The word similar acts like a label. It describes a noun.
Where You See It Most
| Field | Example |
| Academic writing | The findings are similar to previous research. |
| Business | Our growth pattern is similar to Q2 results. |
| Technology | This interface is similar to older operating systems. |
| Daily speech | Your bag looks similar to mine. |
It works because similar behaves like other adjectives:
tall, happy, different, close.
What “Similarly” Actually Does
Similarly is an adverb. It tells how something happens or links two ideas that match in outcome or pattern.
It does not compare objects directly.
Correct Use Examples
- The first team struggled. Similarly, the second team lost focus.
- Sales dropped in Europe. Similarly, Asia saw a decline.
- She handled criticism calmly. Her colleague responded similarly.
Here the comparison is between events or reactions, not physical things.
Why “Similarly To” Sounds Wrong
English does not usually pair adverbs with to in this structure.
Think about other adverbs:
- quickly to ❌
- happily to ❌
- slowly to ❌
The pattern feels unnatural. Native usage rarely supports it.
Compare These
| Awkward | Natural |
| Similarly to John, I prefer tea. | Like John, I prefer tea. |
| Similarly to last year, prices fell. | Similar to last year, prices fell. |
| Similarly to her mother, she sings well. | She sings well like her mother. |
Writers often reach for similarly when they want to sound elevated. Instead the sentence loses balance.
How Grammar Explains the Problem
| Word | Type | What It Modifies |
| Similar | Adjective | Nouns |
| Similarly | Adverb | Verbs, clauses, ideas |
Adjectives naturally link to nouns with to.
Adverbs usually do not.
Easy Memory Trick
If you can point to a thing, use something similar.
If you compare actions or outcomes, use similarly.
Side-by-Side Sentence Fixes
| Incorrect Sentence | What Went Wrong | Correct Version |
| Similarly to last year, demand fell. | Adverb misused | Similar to last year, demand fell. |
| Similarly to this phone, the tablet is light. | Comparing objects with adverb | This tablet is similar to this phone. |
| Similarly to him, I enjoy chess. | Structure mismatch | Like him, I enjoy chess. |
Patterns matter more than word length. Longer does not mean better.
Better Alternatives That Sound Natural
Writers often want variety. That is fine. English gives plenty of options.
| Instead of “Similarly To” | Use This | Example |
| Similarly to | Similar to | The sequel is similar to the original. |
| Similarly to | Like | Like her sister, she paints well. |
| Similarly to | In the same way as | He reacted in the same way as before. |
| Similarly to | In a similar way to | The system works in a similar way to a pump. |
These phrases match real usage patterns. They read smoothly.
Similar To vs Like — Are They the Same
They overlap but tone differs.
| Feature | Similar To | Like |
| Tone | Slightly formal | Casual to neutral |
| Precision | Suggests resemblance, not identity | Broader comparison |
| Example | This watch is similar to mine. | This watch is like mine. |
Like dominates speech. Similar to appears more in formal writing.
Read More:In Development vs Under Development: Meaning, Usage, and Best Practices
Where Students and Professionals Go Wrong
Common slip-ups include:
- Using “similarly” before nouns
- Thinking formal words always improve writing
- Translating directly from other languages
- Overcorrecting to avoid simple language
Good writing favors clarity over decoration.
Case Study — Business Writing Example
Original Version
Similarly to last quarter, profits increased in Asia.
Revised Version
Similar to last quarter, profits increased in Asia.
Why the fix works:
The comparison is between two periods. Those are nouns. The adjective fits.
Case Study — Academic Paper
Original
Similarly to previous studies, the results confirm the hypothesis.
Improved
Similar to previous studies, the results confirm the hypothesis.
The academic tone stays intact. Grammar improves.
Case Study — Everyday Speech
Odd
Similarly to you, I dislike spicy food.
Natural
Like you, I dislike spicy food.
Conversation prefers shorter structures.
Quote From Style Experts
“Clear grammar fades into the background. Awkward grammar steals attention.”
The goal is flow. Readers should focus on meaning, not structure.
Mini Practice Section
Fill in the blanks.
- This model is ___ the earlier version.
- Sales dropped. ___, marketing costs rose.
- Her reaction was ___ her manager’s response.
Answers
- similar to
- Similarly
- similar to
Quick Comparison Diagram
Thing vs Action Rule
| Comparing | Use |
| Objects, people, ideas | Similar to |
| Events, results, reactions | Similarly |
Why Word Length Does Not Equal Quality
Writers sometimes upgrade words to sound impressive. That backfires.
| Simple | Overcomplicated | Better Choice |
| Like | Similarly to | Like |
| Same | Identical in nature to | Same |
| Shows | Demonstrates | Depends on tone |
Strong writing feels natural, not inflated.
Practical Editing Checklist
When reviewing your work:
- Circle every comparison phrase
- Check if it describes a noun
- Replace “similarly to” with “similar to” if needed
- Read the sentence aloud
- Keep the rhythm smooth
Professional Fields Where This Matters
| Area | Why Precision Counts |
| Law | Small wording changes affect meaning |
| Research | Grammar impacts credibility |
| Marketing | Clarity increases trust |
| Education | Students model what they read |
Correct usage supports authority.
FAQs
Is “similarly to” ever correct in English?
It appears rarely in older or highly formal texts but modern standard English usually avoids it. Most style guides and usage patterns favor similar to, like, or similarly on its own.
What is the difference between “similar” and “similarly”?
Similar is an adjective. It describes nouns.
Similarly is an adverb. It describes actions, results, or whole ideas. Mixing them causes structure problems.
Can I use “like” instead of “similar to”?
Yes in many cases. Like works well in speech and informal writing. Similar to sounds slightly more formal and precise. Both compare things, not actions.
Why does “similarly to” sound strange to native speakers?
English rarely pairs adverbs with to for direct comparison. The structure breaks normal patterns so the sentence feels off even if the meaning seems clear.
How can I quickly check which form to use?
Ask what you are comparing. If you compare things or ideas, use similar words. If you compare actions or outcomes, use similarly.
Conclusion
The difference between similar to and similarly to may look minor yet it shapes how natural your writing feels. Similar to fits standard grammar because it links nouns through an adjective. Similarly works when comparing actions, reactions, or results across sentences. Similarly, it usually disrupts that balance and creates awkward phrasing.
Strong writing values clarity over complexity. Choose structures readers recognize instantly. Smooth comparisons keep attention on meaning instead of mechanics. When in doubt, simplify. Natural language almost always wins.
