How to use "be similar to"

What Does "be similar to" Mean?

The expression be similar to is a common English collocation used to indicate that two or more things share common characteristics, qualities, or appearances without being identical. It functions as a comparative link between a subject and a complement.

• Meaning: To have a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity; to be like something else.
• Compositionality: This is a compositional phrase. The meaning is derived directly from the sum of its parts: the linking verb "be," the adjective "similar," and the preposition "to."
• Register: This expression is neutral. It is equally appropriate in casual conversation, professional business settings, and high-level academic or scientific writing.

How to Use It

The expression follows a fixed adjective + preposition pattern that requires a specific structure to function correctly.

• Grammatical pattern: [Subject] + [verb 'to be'] + [adjective 'similar'] + [preposition 'to'] + [Noun/Noun Phrase/Pronoun].
• Typical objects: It is often followed by concrete nouns (a liquor license), abstract concepts (carbon trading), or possessive pronouns (mine, theirs).
• Separability: Because it is not a phrasal verb but an adjective phrase, the components are generally not separated. However, adverbs of degree (e.g., very, quite, remarkably) can be placed between "be" and "similar."
• What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition is the most frequent error. Saying "similar with" or "similar as" sounds non-idiomatic to native speakers. Additionally, the verb must be a linking verb; using an action verb like "do similar to" is grammatically incorrect.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from be similar to on Ludwig.guru.

"This process will be similar to wet-combing." — wikihow.com

"It could be similar to carbon trading." — nytimes.com

"It should not be similar to the old password." — cornell.edu

"The values were found to be similar to our Sun." — harvard.edu

"Flerovium's chemical properties may be similar to those of lead." — britannica.com

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
resemble	A more concise verb; often used for physical appearances.
be comparable to	Suggests that two things are of a similar size, quality, or value and can be measured against each other.
bear a resemblance to	A more formal or literary way to describe similarity.
be akin to	Highly formal; often suggests a deep, intrinsic, or family-like connection between ideas.
be along the lines of	Informal/Idiomatic; suggests an approximate similarity in type or style.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong Preposition: Learners frequently use the wrong preposition, often saying 'similar with' instead of 'similar to'. This is the most common error due to interference from other languages or similar-sounding phrases like "consistent with."
• Confusion with 'Like': While "be like" and be similar to mean the same thing, "like" is a preposition that does not take "to." Writing "be like to" is a common grammatical slip.
• Subject-Complement Agreement: Ensure the things being compared are grammatically parallel. For example, "My car is similar to John" is incorrect; it should be "My car is similar to John's [car]."

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
be similar to	To share characteristics with something else	[Subject] + be + similar + to + [Object]	Neutral

FAQs

Can the words in the phrase be separated by other words?

The adjective "similar" and the preposition "to" should stay together, but you can place an adverb before "similar" to modify the intensity. For example, you can say "be remarkably similar to" or "be somewhat similar to" to provide more detail.

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What is the difference between be similar to and resemble?

While both indicate a likeness, be similar to is an adjective phrase that is often used for abstract qualities or systems, whereas resemble is a transitive verb that frequently describes physical appearance. Resemble does not require a preposition, so you would say "he resembles his father" rather than "resembles to."

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Is it correct to say similar with or similar as?

No, using "with" or "as" is a common mistake; you must always use the preposition "to" when following the adjective "similar." Learners frequently use the wrong preposition, often saying 'similar with' instead of 'similar to' because of the way comparisons are structured in other languages.