almost parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two lines, paths, or concepts that are close to being parallel but not exactly so. Example: "The two roads run almost parallel to each other for several miles before diverging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They then made an almost parallel transition to democracy in the 1980s.

The Guardian - Opinion

On another type, originally called a Crescent wrench, the jaws are almost parallel to the handle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He lowered the trajectory of my back cast so it was almost parallel to the ground.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead they sit almost parallel to the house that is ready to bid them goodbye.

The New York Times

The development of literature in Ottoman Turkey is almost parallel with that of Iran and India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Interstate 78 merges with Route 24 in the westbound lanes almost parallel to where the accident occurred.

The New York Times

Early, the experience of seeing art was, in my life, on an almost parallel track with words.

The New York Times - Arts

The show ideas were developed and tested by NBC and CBS on almost parallel tracks through the winter and spring.

The New York Times - Arts

Between them, extending roughly north to south, are two almost parallel arcs of more or less continuous dunes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roads that run almost parallel to the Luapula River link Mansa, a regional capital, with Mwenda and Kawambwa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The film was placed almost parallel to the implants.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the relationship between two elements, consider the context. Use "almost parallel" when precision isn't crucial, but ensure the elements are indeed close to being parallel.

Common error

Avoid using "almost parallel" when the elements being described are clearly diverging or intersecting. This weakens the credibility of your description and can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost parallel" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a state of near parallelism. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the spatial relationship between physical objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost parallel" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it effectively conveys a near-parallel relationship in various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. Alternatives like "nearly parallel" or "approximately parallel" can be used to fine-tune the level of precision. While versatile, it's important to avoid overstating the parallelism when describing diverging elements. Overall, "almost parallel" is a reliable and widely accepted phrase for describing near alignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly parallel

Indicates a slightly closer degree of similarity to parallel than the original phrase.

approximately parallel

Emphasizes the approximate nature of the parallelism, highlighting a lack of precision.

virtually parallel

Suggests a very close resemblance to being parallel, almost to the point of being indistinguishable.

roughly parallel

Implies a less precise degree of parallelism, suggesting a general alignment.

substantially parallel

Indicates that the degree of parallelism is considerable and significant.

closely aligned

Shifts the focus from geometric parallelism to a more general concept of alignment or agreement.

in near alignment

Highlights the state of being closely positioned or directed in a similar way.

approaching parallelism

Describes a trend or movement towards becoming parallel, rather than a current state.

tending toward parallel

Suggests a direction or inclination towards becoming parallel over time or under certain conditions.

similarly oriented

Focuses on the similarity in direction or positioning, rather than strict parallelism.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost parallel" to describe lines, paths, or concepts that are close to being parallel but not perfectly so. For example, "The sides of the shape were "nearly parallel"".

What are some alternatives to saying "almost parallel"?

Alternatives include "nearly parallel", "approximately parallel", or "virtually parallel", depending on the degree of precision you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost parallel"?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that two or more things are close to being parallel without being exactly parallel.

What's the difference between "almost parallel" and "perfectly parallel"?

"Almost parallel" implies that the lines or objects are close to being parallel but may slightly converge or diverge. "Perfectly parallel" means the lines or objects never intersect and maintain a constant distance from each other.