"in a similar way as" or "in a similar way to"?

Question

Consider the two statements:

A is constructed in a similar way as B

and

A is constructed in a similar way to B

Which one is correct, or can they both be?

By the way, I originally thought of the sentence is a weakened form the following:

A is constructed in the same way as B

This might subconsciously lead me to prefer the former construction, although if I would expand the sentences above into imagined longer versions, I might have to choose between

A is constructed in a similar way as the way in which B is constructed

and

A is constructed in a way that is similar to the way in which B is constructed

where I guess the latter sounds better.

Answer 1

It is "the same as" or "similar to". As should not be used with similar.

See this ruling on The Free Dictionary:

similarity n ˈsimilarly

adv

Usage: As should not be used after similar: Wilson held a similar position to Jones (not a similar position as Jones); the system is similar to the one in France (not similar as the one in France)

Answer 2

I'd use in a similar way to, but both are used. Ngram shows that to is the most used form.

Answer 3

Here , As and To would mean to different things :

If you would use the word AS here , it would mean similie but you actually meant it to be an analogy(comparison)

So if you would want to show the similarity b/w the two:

A is constructed as similarly as B.

But the more befitting phrase here would be:

A is constructed similarly to B.

Why? because you are comparing both the diagrams , hence an analogy.

Answer 4

Forget "similar as", grating though it may be: I have just seen "similar than" (twice so far, in the game Criminal Case, in which the English is often ... inventive). I guess this is an extension from "different than", so look out for "similar from": it's only a matter of time.