are parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are similar or aligned in some way. Example: "The two theories are parallel in their approach to understanding human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

SCSI buses are parallel buses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Mercator's map, they are parallel.

The Economist

Its three scenes are parallel constructions.

The New York Times - Arts

"But there are parallel kinds of motives.

The New York Times

Make sure your forearms are parallel to the ground.

The Guardian

These are parallel universes that cannot be magically resolved.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are parallel anxieties about less élite settings.

The New Yorker

If a and b are parallel, a × b = 0.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Imagine there are parallel lanes on a road, and there's been an earthquake".

The New Yorker

PAINTING and music are parallel arts; but as geometry teaches us, parallel lines do not intersect.

The New York Times - Arts

An example would be to say that parallel lines will never meet, because they are parallel.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "are parallel" to illustrate similarities or connections between different ideas or theories, emphasizing their shared aspects without implying exact duplication.

Common error

Avoid using "are parallel" when simply indicating similarity. Opt for alternatives like "are similar" or "are analogous" to prevent confusion and maintain clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are parallel" functions primarily as a predicate in a sentence, describing the state or relationship between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are parallel" is a versatile grammatical structure primarily used to denote a relationship of similarity, alignment, or correspondence between multiple subjects. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. While often employed in technical fields such as science and engineering, its presence across various domains, including news and general discourse, showcases its broad applicability. When aiming to express similarity without implying precise alignment, consider alternatives such as "are similar" or "are analogous" to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run parallel

This alternative focuses on the action of lines or paths being parallel to each other.

are similar

This option replaces the geometric meaning of parallel with a general sense of resemblance.

are analogous

This choice suggests a comparison based on shared characteristics or functions.

correspond to

This alternative indicates a direct relationship or equivalence between two things.

are aligned

This suggests that things are in agreement or follow a similar direction.

are equivalent

This indicates that two things have the same value or function.

are interconnected

This phrase denotes a relationship where elements are linked or related.

mirror each other

This option highlights a reflection or close resemblance between two subjects.

have similarities

This is a more general way of saying that two things share common traits.

bear resemblance

This option implies a noticeable similarity in appearance or character.

FAQs

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

You can use "are parallel" to describe lines, paths, or even abstract concepts that share similarities or run in the same direction. For example, "The two railway lines "are parallel"."

What can I say instead of "are parallel"?

You can use alternatives like "are similar", "are analogous", or "correspond to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are parallel" or "is parallel"?

"Are parallel" is used when referring to multiple subjects, while "is parallel" is used for a single subject. For example, "The lines are parallel" versus "This line is parallel".

What's the difference between "are parallel" and "are similar"?

"Are parallel" often implies a direct, side-by-side relationship or alignment, while "are similar" indicates a general resemblance without necessarily implying the same direction or proximity.