Meaning & use
similarly
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Meanings
adverbfixed phrase
Used to introduce a point that is alike, or comparable, to one just mentioned.
Grammar: Stands at the start of a clause to link ideas in writing; not used to describe a verb's manner.
Patterns
- Similarly, ...
- Similarly, one finds...
- similarly in writing
The first train was canceled. Similarly, the second one never arrived.
Sales fell in spring. Similarly, summer figures were weak.
Similarly, the new branch reported lower costs.
adverbnot comparable
In a way that is alike or matching in manner, appearance, or treatment.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or adjective about manner: dressed similarly; cannot take more/most for degree here.
Patterns
- dressed similarly
- behave similarly
- treat someone similarly
The twins were dressed similarly for the party.
Both machines behave similarly when they overheat.
Please treat all applicants similarly during the review.
Common combinations
- Similarly, ...
- Similarly, the second trial produced the same result.
- dressed similarly
- The staff were dressed similarly in navy jackets.
- similarly priced
- The two hotels are similarly priced in the off-season.
- respond similarly
- The two children responded similarly to the new teacher.
Synonyms and how they differ
- likewise
- Very close in meaning and slightly more formal; similarly is more common as a sentence connector.
- in the same way
- A plainer phrase; use similarly to keep writing tighter and more formal.
- equally
- Focuses on equal amount or importance, not on likeness between two points.
Opposites
Word family
- similar adjective
- Alike in some way but not identical.
- similarity noun
- A way in which people or things are alike.
- dissimilar adjective
- Not alike; different in important ways.
Commonly confused: similarly or simultaneously?
similarly vs simultaneously
Simultaneously means at the same time, while similarly means in a like or comparable way.
Practice
The first store closed early on Sunday. ___, the second store now closes at six.
Choose one answer.
The second clause gives a parallel, comparable fact, so Similarly links the two points. Nevertheless shows contrast, conversely shows a reversed relationship, and yesterday cannot connect clauses.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “similarly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.