a parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

"a parallel to" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things or ideas that are similar in certain ways. For example, "The structure of the novel has a parallel to the structure of a symphony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a parallel to Mardy.

The New York Times - Sports

He drew a parallel to Russia.

The New York Times

So there's also a parallel to early-2000s Argentina.

The Guardian

"I draw a parallel to Bryant Park and that transformation".

The New York Times

There's a parallel to draw! Oh God, no.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a parallel to be drawn here with Scandinavian noir.

The Guardian - Books

If we draw a parallel to Poland here, they will start coming after us.

The New York Times

Arnold drew a parallel to the Wilson rally, which he described as peaceful.

The Guardian

One might see in Hamilton's candy-topped Braun toothbrush a parallel to Marcel Duchamp's urinal.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Borenstein drew a parallel to the gasoline shortages of the 1970's.

The New York Times

South Korea's experience was different still, but also limited as a parallel to Iran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a parallel to" when you want to highlight similarities or correspondences between two distinct subjects, ideas, or situations. Ensure the comparison is clear and adds meaningful insight.

Common error

Avoid using "a parallel to" when the connection is superficial or lacks substantial shared characteristics. The comparison should illuminate a deeper, more meaningful relationship beyond surface-level resemblances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison or analogy. It's used to draw connections between two seemingly different entities, highlighting shared characteristics or underlying similarities. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw meaningful comparisons between different subjects, ideas, or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media and science contexts. The analysis reveals that while alternatives like ""a similarity to"" or ""akin to"" exist, "a parallel to" specifically suggests a more structured and analogous relationship. Therefore, when seeking to illuminate a deeper connection and provide a fresh perspective through comparison, "a parallel to" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similarity to

Emphasizes the resemblance between two things rather than a direct correspondence.

a resemblance to

Focuses on the likeness in appearance or nature.

a comparison to

Highlights the act of comparing two things, rather than their inherent similarity.

akin to

Suggests a close relationship or similarity in nature or quality.

analogous to

Implies a similarity in function or structure, often used in technical contexts.

comparable to

Indicates that two things are suitable for comparison, often in terms of quality or value.

corresponding to

Stresses a direct relationship or match between two things.

in line with

Suggests that something is consistent or in agreement with something else.

reflective of

Indicates that something is representative or indicative of something else.

related to

Shows a connection or association, which may not necessarily be a direct parallel.

FAQs

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

Use "a parallel to" to draw comparisons between distinct subjects, ideas, or situations. For example, "His leadership style has "a parallel to" that of a historical figure."

What are some alternatives to using "a parallel to"?

You can use alternatives such as "a similarity to", "a resemblance to", or "akin to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between using "a parallel to" and "similar to"?

While both indicate resemblance, "a parallel to" suggests a more structured or analogous relationship. "Similar to" simply indicates a likeness. The choice depends on the depth and nature of the comparison you're making.

When is it inappropriate to use "a parallel to"?

Avoid using "a parallel to" when the similarities are weak or superficial. The comparison should provide meaningful insight or clarification, rather than being a trivial observation. If the comparison feels forced, consider a different phrase.