similar to + noun
Comparing two things
This is the main standard structure.
Her voice is similar to her mother's.
Prepositions after similar
Similar to is the standard pattern in English. Other prepositions usually belong to a larger phrase rather than directly following similar.
Quick answer
Which preposition follows similar?
Use similar to when comparing people or things. Similar in can describe a specific aspect. Similar with is usually nonstandard in current English.
This design is similar to the original.
The two cars are similar in size.
The two cars are similar in size.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
similar in + aspect
Comparing a specific quality
In introduces the area of similarity.
The products are similar in appearance.
similar for + group
Describing a comparable situation
For belongs to the wider sentence and introduces the affected group.
The experience was similar for both teams.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
similar to
Your bag is similar to mine.
Standard comparison structure.
similar in
The twins are similar in character.
Similarity in a specific feature.
similar for
The pattern was similar for all regions.
A comparable result affecting a group.
similar with
This phone is similar with that one.
Usually nonstandard; similar to is preferred.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using similar with
English normally uses similar to for comparisons.
✕ The movie is similar with the book. ✓ The movie is similar to the book.Omitting the comparison target
Similar usually needs a clear comparison.
✓ The two systems are similar to each other.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Her style is similar ___ mine.
2. The houses are similar ___ colour.
3. The effect was similar ___ all participants.
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Frequently asked questions
Is similar with correct?
It is usually considered nonstandard in current English.
Can similar be followed by in?
Yes. Similar in introduces a particular feature such as size or shape.
What is the difference between similar to and the same as?
Similar to means alike but not identical, while the same as means identical.
Related preposition guides
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