a parallel idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parallel idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts or thoughts that are similar or analogous to one another. Example: "In her essay, she presented a parallel idea that complemented the main argument, illustrating how both concepts share common themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There also is a parallel idea, in which certain donors choose just one area to focus all their efforts — reconstructing government buildings, say, or fixing the power grid.

The New York Times

A parallel idea, which could run simultaneously, is to use the fund to limit losses bondholders might suffer in the future.

The New York Times

In Ethics 2p7, he argues that "the order and connection of ideas is the same as the order and connection of things,"[8] which is to say that for each extended object, there is a parallel idea.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The Social Contract's opening statement had no more meaning, he suggested, than the parallel idea that "all sheep are born carnivores, and everywhere they eat grass".

The Guardian - Opinion

And even though, as a standalone work, it's too awkward and tenuous to succeed in a theatre, it takes on a convincing resonance in this festival context – lodged among works exploring parallel ideas, among artists making parallel journeys.

The Guardian

"She and I had parallel ideas.

The New Yorker

"We had parallel ideas," Schuerholz said, "not exact, but we worked it out.

The New York Times - Sports

Chancellor Kohl and Mr. de Maiziere, speaking separately, proposed parallel ideas for the new government.

The New York Times

§ 8. Use parallel phrasing for parallel ideas.

University of Chicago

You can almost draw a parallel between that academic idea – how one woman speaking a little, giving a bit of input, is perceived as her being on a par vocally with the men in the room – and the way women can still feel like a box-ticking afterthought at festivals.

Vice

No one mentions the Titanic parallel, an idea thought to be jinxed after Lew Grade produced his awful Raise the Titanic in 1980, yet James Cameron had a multi-Oscar triumph with the old boat 17 years later.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a parallel idea", ensure that the connection between the two ideas is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity. Explain the similarities and differences to enhance understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the parallel is self-evident. Clearly explain the connection between the primary idea and "a parallel idea" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel idea" functions as a noun phrase, introducing a concept or thought that is similar or analogous to another. It serves to present a related perspective or line of reasoning. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel idea" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a concept that shares similarities with another, functioning as a noun phrase to present a related perspective. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, though it appears more frequently in news, scientific, and academic domains. While alternatives like "a similar concept" or "an analogous thought" exist, it's crucial to articulate the connection clearly to avoid ambiguity. Understanding its function and potential misinterpretations ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar concept

Replaces 'idea' with 'concept', emphasizing the conceptual similarity.

an analogous thought

Substitutes 'idea' with 'thought' and 'parallel' with 'analogous', highlighting the analogous nature of the thought.

a related notion

Uses 'notion' instead of 'idea', suggesting a slightly more abstract or general concept.

a corresponding concept

Replaces 'parallel' with 'corresponding', indicating a direct relationship or match between concepts.

a comparable viewpoint

Substitutes 'idea' with 'viewpoint', focusing on a shared perspective or opinion.

a mirroring concept

Emphasizes that the other concept is like looking in a mirror.

a comparable thought

Replaces 'idea' with 'thought', suggesting a slightly more reflective and mental consideration.

a matching notion

Indicates that the other notion has an identical match.

a similar line of reasoning

Focuses on the similarity in the way of thinking or arguing.

a correlated concept

Highlights a correlation between both concepts.

FAQs

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

Use "a parallel idea" to introduce a concept that is similar or analogous to another. For example, "The author presented "a parallel idea" to support his main argument".

What are some alternatives to "a parallel idea"?

You can use alternatives like "a similar concept", "an analogous thought", or "a related notion" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a parallel idea" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a parallel idea" when you want to introduce a related concept that helps to clarify or reinforce your primary point. It's particularly useful in analytical or comparative essays.

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

While both phrases suggest a connection between ideas, "a parallel idea" implies that the ideas run alongside each other and may share characteristics, whereas "a similar idea" simply indicates that the ideas have common features.