a parallel course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parallel course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are happening simultaneously or in a similar manner, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The two projects are running on a parallel course, allowing the teams to share resources and insights effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Its major tributary is the Dâmboviţa, which flows through Bucharest on a parallel course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ensor's merging of real-life imagery and abstract forms eventually inspired Mr. Winters to pursue a parallel course, using magnified images of algae, cells, embryos, fungi and hives.

The New York Times - Arts

Egypt was ostensibly on a parallel course of building a democratic and sustainable state; both ventures were perilous, fraught with uncertainty, and short of money.

The Guardian

If we're on a parallel course this year, and voter sentiment continues to shift against Republicans in Congress, we'll have yet another wave election.

The New York Times

Preble took a parallel course off the starboard quarter of the Florida, but the Oneida at full speed could only make seven or eight knots.

The New York Times

"And because Karl is such a fascinating and unusual character and such an establishment figure at the same time — and of course so extraordinarily talented — it's just been on a parallel course".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The British ships steamed directly towards Bismarck and Prinz Eugen, before attempting a turn to bring the two forces on a roughly parallel course.

Wikipedia

Prevalence of radiological loosening signs and/or pain intensity follow an almost parallel course around the first revision of a THA for aseptic component loosening.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

15 A life table plot of the updated pooled analysis of the STTC trialists shows a trend toward increased mortality in the first 10 days after stroke onset, but an absolute parallel course of mortality up to the 90 day follow-up, confirming that day 10 data can serve as a proxy for day 90 data.

British Medical Journal

Time dependent analysis of CRP from D1 to D7 of antibiotic therapy showed an almost parallel course in both groups (P = 0.335), with almost no change from D1 to D3, followed by a significant decrease from D3 onwards; though the CRP concentration of neutropenic patients was, on average, higher in comparison to that of non-neutropenic patients.

Critical Care

For type II collagen, a parallel time course between catabolic (C2C) and anabolic (CPII) markers was also observed, but the time course differed from that seen for proteoglycan markers: collagen II markers peaked later, at PIH 24, and were still elevated over baseline at PIH 168.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a parallel course" when you want to emphasize that two or more processes, developments, or actions are happening at the same time and in a similar manner.

Common error

Avoid using "a parallel course" when you mean to describe a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The phrase implies simultaneity and similarity, not necessarily influence or causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel course" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a prepositional complement. It describes a situation where two or more entities progress in a similar and simultaneous manner, indicating likeness in direction or method. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel course" is a versatile phrase used to describe simultaneous and similar progress or development across different entities or processes. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, science, and general writing, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. While alternatives like ""a similar path"" or "an analogous development" exist, "a parallel course" specifically emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the progression. Be mindful to use it when you want to highlight likeness and concurrence, avoiding situations where a cause-and-effect relationship is implied instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar path

Emphasizes the likeness of the trajectory or progression.

an analogous development

Highlights the comparable evolution or unfolding of events.

a comparable approach

Focuses on the similarity in the method or strategy used.

a matching process

Suggests an equivalent or corresponding procedure.

a corresponding evolution

Indicates a parallel or synchronized development over time.

a synchronized progression

Highlights the coordinated or simultaneous advancement.

an equivalent trajectory

Stresses the identical or parallel direction of movement.

a convergent route

Implies that different elements are moving toward a similar outcome.

an aligned trajectory

Focuses on the alignment or coordination in the paths followed.

a concomitant trend

Highlights the simultaneous or accompanying nature of the trend.

FAQs

How can I use "a parallel course" in a sentence?

You can use "a parallel course" to indicate that two or more things are developing or progressing in a similar way at the same time. For example, "The two companies were on a parallel course, both innovating in the same tech sector."

What's the difference between "a parallel course" and "a similar path"?

"A parallel course" suggests two or more things are happening at the same time and in a similar manner, while ""a similar path"" simply means the things are following the same road.

What can I say instead of "a parallel course"?

You can use alternatives like ""a similar path"", "an analogous development", or "a comparable approach" depending on the context.

Is "a parallel course" formal or informal?

"A parallel course" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as evidenced by its usage in news articles, scientific papers, and general writing.