Cool MateAlso vs Likewise vs Similarly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Also
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Likewise
Top 2,000 (common)B2adverb
Similarly
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
Most common: Also
| Also | Likewise | Similarly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈlaɪkwaɪz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈlaɪkwaɪz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪmələli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪmələrli/"]/ |
| Meaning | in addition to something else | In the same way; also. | In the same way or manner. |
| Example | She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. | He voted for the change and he expected his colleagues to **do likewise**. | It is a little cheaper than other similarly sized cars. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | also known as, also includes, can also be | likewise agree, likewise important, likewise similar | similarly structured, similarly situated, similarly motivated |
| Antonyms | otherwise, differently | dissimilarly, unlike | differently, unlike |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'too' — both mean similar things but are used differently., 'Also' placed incorrectly in sentences — it generally goes before the main verb. | Using 'likewise' at the beginning of a sentence without context., Confusing 'likewise' with 'similarly' in all cases; they aren't interchangeable in every context., Misusing 'likewise' at the end of a statement when it should precede the main clause. | 'Similarly' is sometimes incorrectly used to start a sentence without a clear comparison., Learners may confuse 'similarly' with 'simile', confusing comparative language with figurative language., Overusing 'similarly' in a paragraph can lead to redundancy. |
| Usage notes | Use 'also' to add information. It is appropriate in both spoken and written English. Avoid using it at the beginning of sentences in very formal writing. | Use 'likewise' to agree with someone or to show similarity. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but may seem too formal in casual conversations. | Use 'similarly' to compare two ideas or situations. It is best used in analytical or formal writing. Avoid in casual conversation where simpler phrases like 'also' might fit better. |
Frequently asked questions: Also vs Likewise vs Similarly
What's the difference between Also, Likewise, and Similarly?
Also: in addition to something else Likewise: In the same way; also. Similarly: In the same way or manner.
Which is more common: Also, Likewise, and Similarly?
Also is the most common in everyday English.
Are Also, Likewise, and Similarly the same CEFR level?
Also: A1, Likewise: B2, Similarly: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Also, Likewise, and Similarly interchangeably?
Not always. Also, Likewise, and Similarly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.