be parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be parallel to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more lines, paths, or concepts that run alongside each other without intersecting. Example: "The two roads will be parallel to each other for several miles before they diverge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The channel will be parallel to the existing Miraflores lake, but nine metres higher.

The Economist

What comes after "and" should be parallel to what comes after "both".

The New York Times

In any case, what comes after "and" should be parallel to what comes after "both".

The New York Times

The flat surface of the brad should be parallel to the grain of the wood; hammer them in sharply.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The palms of your hands should be parallel to the keyboard.

Forbes

Also, the frame will not be parallel to the limb (Fig. 7).

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

A more accurate approach would be to assume the currents to be parallel to magnetic latitude.

Earth, Planets and Space

The direction of the mantle flow should be parallel to the subduction direction.

Earth, Planets and Space

The preferred orientation of the olivine crystal is expected to be parallel to the plate subduction.

Earth, Planets and Space

(4) The unit tangent at, denoted by, must be parallel to either or.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

One can expect the deviator stress tensor to be parallel to the strain rate tensor.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, ensure the objects you're comparing with "be parallel to" are clearly defined. For example, specify "the road" and "the river" instead of just saying "they should be parallel".

Common error

Avoid using "be parallel to" when you mean "similar to" in abstract contexts. Parallelism implies a more direct correspondence than mere similarity. For instance, don't say "His career path is parallel to hers" if you mean their careers are simply similar; instead, say "His career path is similar to hers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be parallel to" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a spatial, directional, or conceptual relationship of alignment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to describe objects or ideas that extend in the same direction and maintain a constant distance or comparable state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

27%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be parallel to" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe spatial, directional, or conceptual alignment. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. While primarily found in Wiki, Science, and News & Media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using "be parallel to", ensure clarity in defining the objects being compared and avoid substituting it for "similar to" in abstract contexts where a direct correspondence isn't intended. Consider alternatives such as ""run parallel to"" or "align with" for nuanced meanings. Remember that precision in describing relationships is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run parallel to

Emphasizes the action of extending alongside something else, focusing on the continuous alignment.

be in alignment with

Highlights a state of agreement or correspondence, often used in a more abstract or conceptual context.

align with

Highlights the act of conforming or corresponding to something else, suggesting a directional agreement.

correspond to

Focuses on a direct relationship or similarity between two things, indicating a matching aspect.

coincide with

Suggests a simultaneous occurrence or alignment, often implying a temporal aspect in addition to spatial one.

mirror

Implies a reflective similarity, where one element closely resembles another in structure or form.

be similar to

Indicates a resemblance or likeness, focusing on shared attributes rather than strict parallelism.

resemble

Similar to 'be similar to', it denotes a likeness in appearance, qualities, or characteristics.

duplicate

Suggests an exact copy or replication, implying a precise correspondence.

be analogous to

Indicates a similarity based on analogy, where a comparison is made between two different things with similar aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "be parallel to" to describe two or more lines, planes, or concepts that extend in the same direction and are always the same distance apart. For example, "The new road will "run parallel to" the existing highway".

What's the difference between "be parallel to" and "be similar to"?

"Be parallel to" implies that two things extend in the same direction and maintain a constant distance apart. "Be similar to" indicates a resemblance or likeness but doesn't necessarily imply a directional or spatial relationship.

Can I use "be in alignment with" instead of "be parallel to"?

While "be in alignment with" can sometimes be used as a substitute, it often implies a more abstract or conceptual agreement rather than a strictly spatial or directional one. "Be parallel to" is more precise when describing physical or geometrical relationships.

Is it correct to say "become parallel to"?

Yes, "become parallel to" is grammatically correct and indicates a process of two or more things aligning to be parallel. For example, "After the adjustment, the two lines "became parallel to" each other".