draw a parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

"draw a parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to showing a comparison between two or more things. Example: You can draw a parallel between the ancient ruins and the modern skyline - both are inspiring in different ways.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They draw a parallel, inevitably, with Weimar.

The New York Times

"I draw a parallel to Bryant Park and that transformation".

The New York Times

They draw a parallel with the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

The Economist

"Let me draw a parallel with a domestic crime scene," one official said.

The Washington Post

If we draw a parallel to Poland here, they will start coming after us.

The New York Times

Some draw a parallel with USA Today, the first truly national newspapers launched in 1982.

The Guardian

"Can I draw a parallel between the Big Society and Dad's Army?

The Guardian

To see why this matters, it helps to draw a parallel with other (noncustomer) company assets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is where we can draw a parallel between P10 vs. Google case.

University of California, Berkeley

The Arabs will certainly draw a parallel with Israel's assassination techniques.

The Economist

Some observers even draw a parallel between how players dress and how they perform.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw a parallel", ensure that the similarities you are highlighting are relevant and insightful. Avoid superficial comparisons that do not add value to your argument.

Common error

A common mistake is to overemphasize the significance of a parallel, suggesting a causal relationship where none exists. Ensure that the parallel serves as an illustration rather than a definitive proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a parallel" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to establish a comparison or analogy between two distinct subjects or situations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "draw a parallel" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to create a comparison between two or more subjects, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is versatile, appearing frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, with a neutral to formal register. To effectively use the phrase, clearly articulate the similarities between the subjects being compared and avoid superficial or overstated connections. Related phrases include "make an analogy" or "draw a comparison". Remember, while drawing parallels can be insightful, ensure the comparison is relevant and adds value to the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a comparison

This phrase is a more general way to express finding similarities between two things. It is less specific than "draw a parallel".

point out similarities

This is a straightforward way of expressing that you are indicating shared traits or features. More direct, but less nuanced.

make an analogy

This alternative focuses on creating a relationship of similarity, especially to explain something. It highlights the explanatory aspect more than the simple comparison.

identify a correspondence

This suggests that there is a direct relationship or connection between two things. More formal than "draw a parallel".

draw a likeness

This option highlights the act of finding similar traits or features, which may not have the depth of explaining something complex.

relate one to the other

This phrase emphasizes linking two things together conceptually. Simple and direct, lacking the nuance of 'parallel'.

establish a connection

This phrase centers on creating a link or relationship between two elements, it can be more broadly applied than the original query.

recognize a pattern

This option emphasizes perceiving a recurring sequence or design. It moves slightly away from comparing single instances.

see a correlation

This refers to observing a relationship or pattern, specifically a statistical association. It implies a more empirical observation.

find an equivalence

This indicates discovering that two things have the same value or effect, focuses on sameness rather than similarity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "draw a parallel" in a sentence?

To effectively use "draw a parallel", clearly state the two subjects you are comparing and explicitly describe the similarities between them. For example, "We can "draw a parallel" between the economic crisis of the 1930s and the recession of 2008, noting similar patterns of unemployment and market instability."

What phrases are similar to "draw a parallel"?

Similar phrases include "make an analogy", "draw a comparison", or "establish a connection". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "draw a parallel" between two different subjects?

While drawing parallels can be insightful, it's crucial to ensure that the comparison is valid and relevant. Avoid forced or superficial parallels that lack substantial similarities or distort the facts.

What is the difference between "draw a parallel" and "draw a comparison"?

While similar, "draw a parallel" often implies a deeper, more structural similarity, whereas "draw a comparison" can refer to a more general observation of similarities. A parallel suggests that two things are developing or functioning along similar lines.