a parallel system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a parallel system" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system that operates alongside another system, often for comparison or redundancy purposes. Example: "The company implemented a parallel system to ensure that operations could continue smoothly in case of a failure in the primary system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The group collected taxes from Kilinochchi and ran a parallel system of police and courts.

The New York Times

A parallel system that runs alongside the journals might be difficult to operate, he said.

The Guardian - Tech

A parallel system is thriving in back offices and parking lots.

The Economist

"No state can afford a parallel system of governance and militias".

The New York Times

But later there could be a parallel system, based on withholding future EU payments, for those outside the euro.

The Economist

Some legal experts said they thought the ruling might allow room for Massachusetts to embrace a parallel system like the civil unions allowed by Vermont.

The New York Times

We recommended a full integration of ILF funding with personal budgets, rather than the continuation of a parallel system of social care funding.

The Guardian

The nineteen countries in the eurozone (out of twenty-eight in the E.U). would adopt a single currency but would not have a parallel system to raise tax.

The New Yorker

"But we're creating what's essentially a parallel system, where a small number of individuals control quasi-public spending, and that will reflect their values and not democratic values".

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama has argued that with this wide base of small donors, he has created something of a parallel system of public financing.

The New York Times

The court invited the Legislature to come up with a remedy, either by including gay couples in the state's marriage laws or by creating a parallel system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex processes, use "a parallel system" to clearly indicate that two or more systems operate simultaneously or independently to achieve a common goal.

Common error

Avoid using "a parallel system" when simply describing a backup or fail-safe mechanism. A parallel system implies simultaneous or independent operation, not just a replacement in case of failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel system" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an additional system that operates alongside or independently of an existing one. Ludwig examples show this in contexts ranging from technology to governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel system" is a commonly used phrase, as evidenced by the multiple examples provided by Ludwig, referring to an additional system that operates alongside another. The phrase is grammatically sound and appears across a broad range of contexts, including news, science, and business. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various situations. While alternatives like "concurrent system" or "alternative system" exist, "a parallel system" effectively conveys the idea of simultaneous or independent operation. Therefore, writers should use it when describing such scenarios, being mindful of potential confusion with simple backup mechanisms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concurrent system

Emphasizes simultaneous operation rather than mirroring or supplementing.

an alternative system

Focuses on the substitutive nature of the system, highlighting it as a replacement option.

a supplementary system

Highlights the supporting role of the system, adding to or enhancing the existing one.

a dual system

Indicates two systems working together, side by side.

a mirrored system

Implies an exact copy or reflection of the original system, operating in tandem.

a redundant system

Stresses the backup or fail-safe nature of the system.

a secondary system

Denotes a system that is less important or comes after the primary system.

a backup system

Focuses on the system's role as a safety net in case of failure or disruption.

a shadow system

Suggests a system operating covertly or unofficially alongside the main system.

an auxiliary system

Highlights the supportive and assisting function of the system.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a parallel system" in a sentence?

Use "a parallel system" to describe situations where two or more systems operate simultaneously or independently but are related in function or purpose. For example, "The company implemented "a parallel system" of data storage to ensure no data loss."

What are some alternatives to saying "a parallel system"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a concurrent system", "an alternative system", or "a supplementary system". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a parallel system", or are there situations where another phrase is better?

While "a parallel system" is generally appropriate, it's important to consider the specific context. If you want to emphasize redundancy, "a redundant system" might be more suitable. If you mean a system that replaces the main one, "an alternative system" could be better.

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

"A parallel system" implies simultaneous or independent operation alongside another system, while "a similar system" simply means that two systems share common characteristics but don't necessarily operate together.