Similar to Vs what

[karthikpandian19]

Can anyone explain the difference between them, along with the following example:

A leading figure in the Scottish enlightenment, Adam Smith's two major books are to democratic capitalism what Marx's Das Kapital is to socialism


1. Adam smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism similar to

2. Adam smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism what

[GMAT_2010_2707]

Hi Karthik,

Isn't 'Adam smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism similar to unidiomatic.
Where as Adam smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism what is correct.

Thanks,
NM

[avik.ch]

What is a subordinator that introduce a noun clause.

"Similar to" cannot introduce a clause. It can introduce

a phrase --- in this case the verb preceeding the "to" will be infinite ( without tense). In daily use we call it infinitives ( simalar "to + verb" ).
or
can be just followed by a noun. --- the noun will be object of a preposition "to".

Now I hope you understand why second one is correct.

[karthikpandian19]

thank you..for the clarification