Likewise means “in the same way”; as a reply to a kind remark, it means “the same to you”. In writing, it introduces another case that works the same way as the previous one, and it means the same as similarly. In conversation, likewise is most often a short polite reply: when someone says Nice to meet you, you can answer Likewise.
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Sentence. Likewise, + similar point; do likewise (= do the same); “Nice to meet you.” “Likewise.”
- Children need clear rules at home. Likewise, new employees need clear instructions in their first weeks.
- Anna switched off her phone before the exam, and I did likewise.
- “It was a pleasure working with you on this project.” “Likewise, and good luck in your new job.”
What changed
First version“It was nice to meet you, Anna.” “Mutually!”
Revision“It was nice to meet you, Anna.” “Likewise!”
Mutually seems to express the idea of “the same to you”, so it sometimes ends up as a reply. But mutually is never a reply on its own; it only works inside a phrase: mutually beneficial. The polite reply in English is Likewise! or You too!
At the start of a sentence, likewise and similarly are almost equal, but likewise has uses of its own. Only likewise works in do likewise, “do the same”: Everyone else left early, so I did likewise. And only likewise works as a reply to a kind remark; similarly isn't used that way. In everyday conversation, people more often say do the same instead of the bookish do likewise.
Your turn
Doctors should explain treatment options in plain language. ___, lawyers should avoid legal jargon when they talk to clients.
Show the answer
Likewise — Doctors and lawyers work in different fields, but they get the same advice: speak to clients in plain language. A second case of the same kind is introduced by Likewise. However would promise an opposite idea, but the second sentence continues the first.
Write a short exchange: at the end of a meeting, a colleague or someone you have just met says something nice to you, and you reply with Likewise and add one sentence of your own.
“It was great to finally meet you in person.” “Likewise! Let's have lunch next time you're in Berlin.”
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