a similar manner

[musicgold]

Hi,

I read the following first sentence in a book. I don’t understand the structure ‘in a similar manner to’. Can I replace the first sentence by the second one?

1. Brian proceeds to invest in Cliff’s portfolio in a similar manner to Martin’s portfolio based on the fact that both brothers have a similar lifestyle and only 2 years apart in age.

2. Brian proceeds to invest in Cliff’s portfolio in a manner similar to that in Martin’s portfolio based on the fact that both brothers have a similar lifestyle and only 2 years apart in age.


Thanks,

MG.

[RedMtl]

Originally Posted by musicgold

Hi,

I read the following first sentence in a book. I don’t understand the structure ‘in a similar manner to’. Can I replace the first sentence by the second one?

1. Brian proceeds to invest in Cliff’s portfolio in a similar manner to Martin’s portfolio based on the fact that both brothers have a similar lifestyle and only 2 years apart in age.

2. Brian proceeds to invest in Cliff’s portfolio in a manner similar to that in Martin’s portfolio based on the fact that both brothers have a similar lifestyle and only 2 years apart in age.


Thanks,

MG.

It's not written well in the first place, which might be causing your confusion.

It would be clearer thus: "Brian proceeds to invest in Cliff's portfolio in a manner similar to how he invested in Martin's portfolio. This is based on the fact that both brothers have similar lifestyles, and that they are only two years apart in age."

In both the examples you provided the portion which is confusing is missing a reference to the past. If you prefer your wording, you need to adjust it just a little to "in a manner similar to that in which he invested in"

Good luck!