close parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close parallel to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, idea, or concept that is very similar or analogous to another. Example: "The findings of this study are in close parallel to previous research conducted in the same field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

None of these examples, however, poses a close parallel to what happened in Germany in 1933.

The New York Times

In a close parallel to the outcome in the prisoner's dilemma game, Dr. Gilman won't be charged with any crime.

The New York Times

For oral use it might be rendered as "Mizz," which would be a close parallel to the practice long universal in many bucolic regions, where a slurred Mis' does duty for Miss and Mrs alike.

The New Yorker

The second lecture, "Conscience and the Vietnam War," is a close parallel to the "Beyond Vietnam" speech that King gave at New York City's Riverside Church in April 1967, in opposition to the war.

Stanford University

The system of political parties of Austria, in a close parallel to the party structure of Germany, is characterized by two dominant parties of the centre-right and centre-left, along with two smaller but effective populist parties and the environmentalist Greens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, this is not a close parallel to the case of the principle of inertia.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

ABC's John Miller has a police background and sees close parallels to organized crime.

The New York Times

Professor Luc Montagnier, a French virologist, stunned his colleagues at a recent international conference when he presented a new method for detecting viral infections which bore close parallels to the basic tenets of homeopathy.

The Times

"His commitment to a very strong and successful youth system was clear at a club with close parallels to our own, and Sean is especially keen to develop stronger links between Burnley Football Club and the local community.

Independent

"His commitment to a very strong and successful youth system was clear at a club with close parallels to our own.

BBC

"[W]ith its close parallels to the origins of CERN, I am very happy that we are able to make this important contribution to the young laboratory's success".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close parallel to", ensure that the comparison is relevant and adds meaningful insight. Avoid stating the obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "close parallel to" when the similarity is superficial or weak. Opt for a weaker expression like "bears some resemblance to" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close parallel to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons, indicating a high degree of similarity or analogy between two distinct entities or situations. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close parallel to" is a useful tool for drawing comparisons and highlighting similarities between different subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, academic texts, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the comparison is relevant and adds meaningful insight. Overstating the degree of similarity should be avoided, opting for weaker expressions when appropriate. By using Ludwig's examples, you can confidently incorporate it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong resemblance to

Emphasizes the visual or superficial similarity between the subjects.

striking similarity to

Highlights a noteworthy and obvious likeness.

akin to

Indicates a similarity in nature or qualities, often used in a more abstract sense.

analogous to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, often implying a functional or structural likeness.

bears resemblance to

A more formal way of saying 'looks like' or 'is similar to'.

closely resembles

Highlights physical or superficial similarity.

comparable to

Indicates a similarity sufficient for comparison, often in terms of quality or value.

mirrors

Implies an exact or almost exact likeness, as if one thing is reflecting the other.

echoes

Suggests a less direct, but still noticeable, similarity or recurrence of something.

exhibits similarities with

States that something shows common features or characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "close parallel to" to highlight a significant similarity between two things. For example: "The current economic crisis has a "close parallel to" the Great Depression".

What can I say instead of "close parallel to"?

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

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "close parallel to"?

While generally correct, ensure the similarity is substantial and meaningful. Overusing it for weak comparisons can weaken your writing.

What's the difference between "close parallel to" and "bears some resemblance to"?

"Close parallel to" suggests a strong, significant similarity, while "bears some resemblance to" indicates a weaker, less prominent likeness.