على غرار ذلك
Along those lines
Littéralement: On the pattern of that
Use this phrase to elegantly connect two similar ideas or actions in professional or formal settings.
En 15 secondes
- Means 'along those lines' or 'in a similar fashion.'
- Used to compare patterns, styles, or behaviors between two things.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or sophisticated social contexts.
Signification
This phrase is used to say 'similarly' or 'in the same fashion.' It describes something that follows the same pattern or style as what was just mentioned.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a colleague's success
نجح زميلي في المشروع، وأنا أعمل على غرار ذلك.
My colleague succeeded in the project, and I am working along those lines.
Talking about fashion trends
صممت الفستان على غرار ذلك الطراز القديم.
She designed the dress along the lines of that old style.
A formal news report
اتخذت الحكومة قرارات جديدة على غرار ما حدث في العام الماضي.
The government took new decisions along the lines of what happened last year.
Contexte culturel
The term 'ghirar' has roots in classical Arabic, often associated with the 'form' or 'shape' of something. In modern times, it has become a staple of 'Fusha' (Modern Standard Arabic) used by news outlets like Al Jazeera or in diplomatic circles to compare international policies. It signifies an educated speaker who values precision and stylistic flair.
The 'Pattern' Secret
Remember that `غرار` literally means pattern. If you can visualize a stencil or a template being used, this is the perfect phrase to use.
Avoid Slang Overload
If you are speaking in a heavy Egyptian or Levantine dialect, dropping this phrase might sound a bit 'stiff' unless you are intentionally trying to sound eloquent.
En 15 secondes
- Means 'along those lines' or 'in a similar fashion.'
- Used to compare patterns, styles, or behaviors between two things.
- Best suited for professional, academic, or sophisticated social contexts.
What It Means
Think of على غرار ذلك as a bridge between two similar ideas. It tells your listener that the second thing you are mentioning follows the same logic as the first. It is less about 'exact copies' and more about 'shared vibes.' If your friend starts a successful business and you want to do something similar, you are acting على غرار ذلك. It implies a model or a mold is being followed. It’s a sophisticated way to connect concepts without just saying 'like this.'
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after describing an action or a situation. It often appears at the end of a sentence to wrap up a comparison. You can also use it to suggest a course of action based on a previous example. It functions like an adverbial phrase. It makes your Arabic sound polished and well-thought-out. Don't overthink the grammar; just drop it in where you'd say 'along those lines' in English. It fits perfectly in professional emails or analytical discussions.
When To Use It
Use it when you are discussing trends or behaviors. It is great for business meetings when comparing market strategies. Use it when talking about art or fashion styles. If you are describing how a younger sibling imitates an older one, this is your phrase. It works well in academic writing or news reporting. It’s the 'suit and tie' version of saying 'me too' or 'same here.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very raw, slang-heavy street conversations. It might sound a bit too 'news anchor' for a casual football match. Do not use it if the two things are identical. على غرار ذلك implies a similarity in style, not a carbon copy. If you are just saying 'I want the same coffee,' don't use it. It’s for patterns and methods, not physical objects. Also, avoid it if the connection between the two things is weak.
Cultural Background
The word غرار (ghirar) historically refers to a model, a streak, or a sharp edge. In classical contexts, it suggested a standard or a path. Using it today shows you have a grasp of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). It reflects the logical, structured nature of formal Arabic discourse. It’s a favorite among intellectuals and journalists across the Arab world. It bridges the gap between ancient vocabulary and modern application.
Common Variations
You might hear على هذا الغرار which means 'along these lines' (referring to something current). Another common one is على غرار ما سبق which means 'following the pattern of what preceded.' In some contexts, people might just say بذات الغرار (in the same fashion). All of these keep the core idea of 'pattern' intact. They are all quite formal and elegant.
Notes d'usage
This is a C2-level phrase because it requires an understanding of stylistic register. It is primarily used in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and is highly effective in professional, academic, and journalistic settings.
The 'Pattern' Secret
Remember that `غرار` literally means pattern. If you can visualize a stencil or a template being used, this is the perfect phrase to use.
Avoid Slang Overload
If you are speaking in a heavy Egyptian or Levantine dialect, dropping this phrase might sound a bit 'stiff' unless you are intentionally trying to sound eloquent.
Journalist's Favorite
Listen to any Arabic news broadcast for 10 minutes. You will almost certainly hear this phrase. It's the 'bread and butter' of Arabic journalism.
Exemples
6نجح زميلي في المشروع، وأنا أعمل على غرار ذلك.
My colleague succeeded in the project, and I am working along those lines.
Shows you are following a successful pattern.
صممت الفستان على غرار ذلك الطراز القديم.
She designed the dress along the lines of that old style.
Used here to describe artistic inspiration.
اتخذت الحكومة قرارات جديدة على غرار ما حدث في العام الماضي.
The government took new decisions along the lines of what happened last year.
Standard usage in political or news contexts.
بدأت أركض كل صباح، هل ستفعل شيئاً على غرار ذلك؟
I started running every morning; will you do something along those lines?
Slightly elevated but works in serious personal advice.
قطي ينام طوال اليوم، وأتمنى لو أعيش حياتي على غرار ذلك!
My cat sleeps all day, and I wish I could live my life along those lines!
Uses a formal phrase for a silly situation for comedic effect.
كان جدي يحب جدتي كثيراً، وأبحث عن حب على غرار ذلك.
My grandfather loved my grandmother dearly, and I am looking for a love along those lines.
Adds a touch of poetic formality to a deep emotion.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about following a strategy.
وضعت الشركة خطة تسويقية، وسننفذ حملتنا ___.
`على غرار ذلك` fits because the sentence describes executing a campaign based on a previous plan.
Complete the sentence to compare two artistic styles.
رسم الفنان لوحة جديدة ___ أعماله السابقة.
`على غرار` is used here to show that the new painting follows the pattern of previous works.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Along those lines'
Using 'زي كدة' (like this) in dialect.
بدي أسوي زي كدة.
Using 'بشكل مشابه' (similarly).
فعلت ذلك بشكل مشابه.
Using 'على غرار ذلك' in writing/speeches.
تم التنفيذ على غرار ذلك.
Legal or highly academic texts.
نسجاً على هذا الغرار.
When to use 'على غرار ذلك'
Business Strategy
Following a competitor's move.
Artistic Style
Painting in the style of a master.
Personal Habits
Adopting a friend's routine.
Legal/News
Comparing new laws to old ones.
Architecture
Building a house in a specific style.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. مثل is a general word for 'like.' على غرار ذلك specifically implies following a pattern or a methodology.
Yes, if you want to sound a bit more serious or articulate. For example, قررت أدرس بجد، وأتمنى تعمل على غرار ذلك (I decided to study hard, and I hope you do the same).
It is understood by everyone because it's Modern Standard Arabic, but people don't usually say it in daily street slang. They would use زي هيك or زي كدة instead.
No, it's rarely used alone. It almost always appears in this specific construction or similar ones like على هذا الغرار.
Absolutely. You can say someone failed, and another person followed على غرار ذلك (in the same fashion).
You could use على العكس من ذلك (on the contrary) or بشكل مختلف تماماً (in a completely different way).
No, the phrase is fixed. You don't change غرار to a plural even if you are talking about multiple things.
The 'gh' is like the French 'r' (a gargling sound in the throat). So it's 'ghi-RAAR'.
Yes! It's an excellent phrase for an interview. It shows you have a high level of linguistic competence and can discuss strategies professionally.
It's more common in writing (articles, reports) and formal speaking (speeches, presentations).
Expressions liées
على هذا المنوال
نسجاً على منواله
بالمثل
بذات الطريقة
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