a parallel trend

USAGE SUMMARY

'a parallel trend' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to an event or phenomenon that happens at the same time or in a similar way as another related event. For example, "The recession caused a parallel trend of job losses and decreased consumer spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

In a parallel trend, biomolecules have been investigated for their optical applications.

Harvard University

A parallel trend, fueled by cheap wireless connectivity, is that these devices are increasingly networked.

The New York Times - Science

The move inland by manufacturers coincides with a parallel trend in urbanization.

The New York Times

Yet there's a parallel trend in the same geographical direction, which may or may not give grounds for hope.

The Guardian

In a parallel trend, Mexico City has seen a boom of real-estate investment and a new wave of renovation.

The Guardian

A parallel trend cited by several of the companies is the prospect of attacks on bigger companies in the private and public sector, with cybercriminals having specific goals in mind.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Clearly, the trending of feminist art is a sign of the times -- with a parallel trending in art fairs featuring older heritage women artists who are still making work in their 80s and 90s.

Huffington Post

Surveillance data prior to 2003 were incomplete, precluding testing of a parallel trends assumption.

BMJ Open

In fact, it's often charted a parallel course to two distinct trends: the hot new technology, and the most current threat.

TechCrunch

Yet a contradictory, parallel trend, from which north Africa suffers along with the rest of the world, is the latest fashion for "strongman" leadership.

The Guardian

The doomsayers, however, are missing a key parallel trend: lower prices are prompting unprecedented innovation in the oil fields, increasing production per well and slashing costs.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a parallel trend", ensure it clearly relates to the previously mentioned trend to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid implying causation when describing "a parallel trend". Just because two trends occur simultaneously doesn't mean one causes the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a parallel trend" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a secondary trend that occurs alongside and is related to a primary trend.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a parallel trend" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing a secondary trend that mirrors or occurs alongside a primary one. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While not extremely common, its usage is well-established in formal and informal contexts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to use it to highlight related developments, but avoid implying causation without evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a corresponding pattern

Replaces "trend" with "pattern", emphasizing the observable sequence of events.

a similar tendency

Substitutes "trend" with "tendency", highlighting a leaning or inclination towards a particular outcome.

an analogous development

Uses "analogous development" to suggest a comparable unfolding of events.

a concurrent movement

Emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the trend with the term "concurrent movement".

a related phenomenon

Focuses on the observable occurrence with a connection to the original trend.

a mirroring effect

Highlights the reflective or imitative nature of the trend.

a comparable evolution

Suggests a similar process of change or growth.

a convergent course

Implies that two or more things are moving towards a similar direction or outcome.

an equivalent progression

Highlights the similarity in the way things are advancing or developing.

a synchronized increase

Focuses on growth aspect of both trends and their simultaneous occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a parallel trend" to describe a phenomenon happening concurrently with another. For example, "The rise in remote work has seen "a parallel trend in" demand for home office equipment".

What's a good alternative to "a parallel trend"?

Alternatives include "a similar tendency", "a corresponding pattern", or "an analogous development", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "parallel trends" instead of "a parallel trend"?

Yes, "parallel trends" is correct when referring to multiple trends occurring simultaneously. "A parallel trend" refers to a single trend that mirrors another.

What is the difference between "a parallel trend" and "a similar trend"?

While both indicate related occurrences, "a parallel trend" emphasizes simultaneity, whereas "a similar trend" focuses on likeness or resemblance.