Similarity and Sameness

When we talk about things that are almost the same, we use words of similarity.

1.Like 

The word “like” is inserted between the two things. This could be people, things, actions or situations. 

She is like her sister. 

That house is like mine. 

She speaks like I do. 

The way she writes is like her mother. 

2.Alike 

The word “alike” is used after a verb and cannot be used before a noun. Therefore, typically it’s the last word in a sentence. 

They look alike.

The houses are very alike. 

3.Similar to 

The word “similar to” is followed by a noun. The typical structure is: A is similar to B. 

Your dress is really similar to mine. 

When we want to express that something is identical, we can use the expression “the same”. 

1.When we talk about one identical noun, we use “the same”.  

We live on the same street. 

2. When we compare two identical nouns or situations, we use “the same as”. 

My name is the same as yours. 

He thinks the same as I do.

3.When we want to informally say our situation is identical, we just reply “same”. It has the same meaning as “me too”. 

A: I love coffee.

B: Same!