direct parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and straightforward comparison or similarity between two things. Example: "The study found a direct parallel between the two species' mating habits, suggesting they may share a common ancestor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I'm certainly not looking for a direct parallel.

The New Yorker

And there is at least one direct parallel.

The New York Times

In this, Slutkin sees a direct parallel to the early history of seemingly incurable infectious diseases.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Qaddafi could draw a direct parallel between that historic event and the American bombing of Tripoli," Schuler said.

The New Yorker

Laurel Halo brought up a direct parallel between space exploration and electronic sound equipment.

The New York Times - Arts

I didn't see a direct parallel beyond that, but I was more interested in Megan this time around.

The New York Times

The Israeli prime minister, Ehud Barak, drew a direct parallel with the Israeli-Egyptian conflict and its resolution before leaving for Shepherdstown.

The New York Times

His slow unravelling in a dark basement, shackled to the floor and the desk, was a direct parallel to his incarceration under Abu Nazir.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The groove mimics a dozen nineteen-eighties cues, while still escaping a direct parallel, until the lead vocal shows its Morrissey-inflected charm.

The New Yorker

"The controversy over comic books was neither a subset of the Red Scare nor a direct parallel to it," as Hajdu rightly says.

The New Yorker

I'm not going to draw a direct parallel between universities in the 70s and the conflicts between Muslim and Jewish students on campuses today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, avoid overuse of the phrase "direct parallel" within a single text. Vary your language with synonyms such as "close analogy" or "clear correspondence" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "direct parallel" when the connection between two things is weak or indirect. Overstating the similarity can weaken your argument and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct parallel" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It's often used to establish a clear connection or comparison between two distinct concepts or entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is considered grammatically correct and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "direct parallel" functions as a noun phrase used to highlight clear and straightforward comparisons between two distinct concepts or entities. It is considered grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, and sees frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When using this expression, ensure the analogy is well-supported with specific examples to enhance clarity. Although versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing the phrase in a single text, opting for synonyms to maintain reader engagement. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively employ "direct parallel" in your writing to establish meaningful connections and foster clearer comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear correspondence

Focuses on the matching aspects between two things.

parallel case

Highlights a similarity in situation or circumstance.

close analogy

Suggests a comparison based on similar aspects or functions.

exact counterpart

Implies a relationship where one thing is a perfect match for another.

precise equivalence

Highlights that the two things are equal in value or meaning.

straight correlation

Emphasizes a statistical or factual relationship rather than a conceptual comparison.

identical match

Stresses that the two items are the same in every way.

mirror image

Suggests a visual or conceptual reflection with inverted elements.

duplicate instance

Indicates that one thing is a copy or replication of another.

similar situation

Broader term referring to analogous circumstances without necessarily implying exact duplication.

FAQs

How to use "direct parallel" in a sentence?

You can use "direct parallel" to highlight a clear and straightforward comparison between two things. For example, "The study found a "direct parallel" between the two species' mating habits".

What can I say instead of "direct parallel"?

You can use alternatives like "close analogy", "clear correspondence", or "straight correlation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "direct parallel"?

Use "direct parallel" when there is a clear and easily observable similarity or relationship between two distinct entities or concepts, not merely a superficial resemblance.

What's the difference between "direct parallel" and "similar situation"?

"Direct parallel" implies a more precise and defined relationship, while "similar situation" refers to analogous circumstances without the same level of identical or corresponding detail.