draw parallels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw parallels" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to making comparisons between two or more things. For example, "I'd like to draw parallels between the struggles faced by the women of the early 20th century and the struggles faced by modern feminists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Pundits will draw parallels with Obama – but there aren't any.

The Guardian

"They used the disease model of alcoholism to draw parallels.

The Guardian

It's tempting to draw parallels between the three votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If you want to draw parallels with KP and Roy.

The Guardian - Sport

Haydon said: "It does draw parallels with Paris.

The Guardian

"You can draw parallels with the upcoming auction in the UK.

Independent

Those characteristics have inspired Roman Catholics to draw parallels between Guanyin and the Virgin Mary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With hostility to Muslims mounting in Germany, some women draw parallels with Nazi racism.

The Economist

I tried, obsessively, to draw parallels between their crumbling relationship and the one L5Y centers on.

The New York Times

However, the attempts to draw parallels between Simpson and "Wally" are often strained.

Independent

There is, however, relatively little attempt to draw parallels between western and eastern thought.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw parallels", ensure that the comparison you're making is clear and relevant to your audience. Explicitly state the points of similarity to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of the parallels you "draw parallels". Ensure that the similarities are meaningful and not superficial, as emphasizing trivial connections can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw parallels" functions as a verb phrase used to express a comparison or analogy between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression to highlight similarities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draw parallels" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express comparisons between different subjects, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds considerable use in scientific and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure your comparisons are relevant and avoid exaggerating the significance of the similarities. Consider alternatives like "make comparisons" or "find similarities" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make comparisons

Focuses on the act of comparing, highlighting similarities and differences between two or more things.

draw analogies

Emphasizes the use of analogy to explain or clarify something, often by pointing out similarities to something else.

find similarities

Highlights the discovery or identification of common traits or features.

establish connections

Focuses on creating a link or relationship between two or more things.

see resemblances

Highlights the perception of similar qualities or characteristics.

identify correlations

Emphasizes the statistical or empirical relationship between variables.

make associations

Focuses on linking two or more things in one's mind or experience.

relate to

Emphasizes the ability to see a connection between one's own experiences or feelings and something else.

compare and contrast

Highlights a systematic analysis of similarities and differences.

equate with

Suggests that two things are essentially the same or equivalent.

FAQs

How can I use "draw parallels" in a sentence?

You can use "draw parallels" to indicate that you are comparing two or more things and highlighting their similarities. For example, "Analysts often "draw parallels" between current economic conditions and those of the 2008 recession."

What can I say instead of "draw parallels"?

Alternatives to "draw parallels" include "make comparisons", "draw analogies", or "find similarities". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to "draw parallels" between dissimilar subjects?

While it's possible to "draw parallels" between seemingly dissimilar subjects, it's crucial to ensure the comparison is meaningful and serves a clear purpose. Avoid forcing connections where none genuinely exist.

What's the difference between "draw parallels" and "compare and contrast"?

"Draw parallels" focuses on highlighting similarities, while "compare and contrast" involves examining both similarities and differences. Choose the phrase that best reflects your analytical approach.