Also vs Similarly

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Also

Top 1,000 (very common) A1 adverb

Similarly

Top 2,000 (common) B1 adverb

Most common: Also

	Also	Similarly
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlsəʊ/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪmələli/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪmələrli/"]/
Meaning	in addition to something else	In the same way or manner.
Example	She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian.	It is a little cheaper than other similarly sized cars.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	A1	B1
Part of speech	adverb	adverb
Collocations	also known as, also includes, can also be	similarly structured, similarly situated, similarly motivated
Antonyms	otherwise, differently	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.	'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 '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.

See it in real clips

Also some of the judges. They've all sent gifts.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

also the pomading.

Sherlock › S1 E1

Guys, we're also looking for a mobile somewhere here, belonged to the victim.

Also some of the judges. They've all sent gifts.

Agatha Christies Poirot › S1 E1

also the pomading.

Also

Frequently asked questions: Also vs Similarly

What's the difference between Also and Similarly?

Also: in addition to something else Similarly: In the same way or manner.

Which is more common: Also and Similarly?

Also is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Also and Similarly?

Similarly is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.

Are Also and Similarly the same CEFR level?

Also: A1, Similarly: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Also and Similarly?

Also: adverb, Similarly: adverb.

Can you show an example of each?

Also: She's fluent in French and German. She also speaks a little Italian. Similarly: It is a little cheaper than other similarly sized cars.

Can I use Also and Similarly interchangeably?

Not always. Also 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.