a parallel existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parallel existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more lives, realities, or states of being that occur simultaneously but are separate from one another. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist discovers a parallel existence where their choices led to entirely different outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was almost a parallel existence to Amy's.

The New York Times

All these years, I've led a parallel existence — I'm a lawyer, by the way, specializing in divorce.

The New Yorker

But even as he was writing those books, Nabokov had a parallel existence as a self-taught expert on butterflies.

The New York Times - Science

Now, here was the name again, on a bottle of shampoo, where it had been leading a parallel existence for more than 30 years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Charles Way's adaptation of Mary Norton's 1952 story of the little folk who live a parallel existence to us "human beans" is deft and uncondescending.

The Guardian

I've led a parallel existence, but one with no continuity, because it's incredibly hard to stay up to date — young people's interests change all the time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A discovery was made that will send shockwaves through the science community – the existence of a parallel universe, visible only to people who don't like Jeremy Corbyn.

Independent

I don't think the most liberal person in the world can deny that, unless he wants to maintain the existence of a parallel universe, with spacemen and ray guns.

The New Yorker

You know how people often ponder the existence of a parallel universe?

Vice

In 1985, Walter and William Bell had theorized the existence of a parallel universe, and created a window-like device to observe it.

Wikipedia

Many people misremembered the name as being spelled "Berenstein," which was taken as either evidence of the common fallibility of the everyday human brain or an insidious plot to conceal the existence of a parallel universe.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a parallel existence", ensure the context clearly establishes the two separate entities or realities being compared. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a parallel existence" when simply describing related or interconnected phenomena. This phrase specifically implies two distinct, separate modes of being, not just related elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel existence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the state of existing simultaneously in two separate realities or modes of being. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel existence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the simultaneous occurrence of two distinct realities or lives. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to express duality or alternative states of being. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in establishing the separate entities being compared. Consider alternatives like ""a dual existence"" or ""a separate reality"" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dual existence

Emphasizes the two-fold nature of the existence, highlighting the duality.

a separate reality

Focuses on the distinct nature of the other existence as a separate reality.

a simultaneous life

Highlights the synchronicity of the two existences occurring at the same time.

an alternate timeline

Suggests a different course of events running alongside the primary one.

a second life

Implies a completely different way of living, running concurrently with the original.

a double life

Highlights the secrecy or hidden nature of the additional existence.

a mirror existence

Suggests an existence that reflects the original but with differences.

a virtual existence

Implies that one of the existences is not physical or real.

an alternative lifestyle

Focuses on lifestyle choices that are different from the norm, existing alongside mainstream life.

an other life

Simply denotes the existence of another life separate from the one being discussed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a parallel existence" to describe two separate lives or realities that occur simultaneously. For example, "The character in the novel led "a parallel existence" as a spy and a family man."

What phrases are similar to "a parallel existence"?

Similar phrases include "a dual existence", "a separate reality", or "a simultaneous life". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "parallel existences"?

Yes, "parallel existences" is the plural form of the phrase and is grammatically correct when referring to multiple instances of parallel existence.

What is the difference between "a parallel existence" and "a double life"?

"A parallel existence" generally refers to two distinct realities or lives happening concurrently, whereas "a double life" often implies secrecy or deception about one of those lives.