draws a parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

"draws a parallel" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It means to compare two things that are similar or have similar characteristics. Example: The author draws a parallel between the protagonist's struggle and the political climate of the time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Sugarman draws a parallel with battlefield medics.

The New York Times

He draws a parallel with those 1970s communes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Dwell Time" draws a parallel between marriage and modern warfare.

The New York Times - Books

The case draws a parallel between coffee and wine.

Yale University

James Turk, executive director of the Association, draws a parallel with the treatment of Healy.

The Guardian

He draws a parallel with his earlier career in the army.

The Guardian

Jennings draws a parallel between Cath's moral hazard and the bank's.

The New York Times - Books

Moser draws a parallel between it and the "cubist portraits in words" attempted by Gertrude Stein.

The Guardian - Books

He draws a parallel between Pussy Riot and an "extremely political Chinese punk band" called Pangu.

The New York Times

He draws a parallel with his own experience in Birmingham schools during the Eighties.

Independent

The last segment looks at Black Lives Matter and draws a parallel between that movement and the civil rights era.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draws a parallel" to highlight similarities between seemingly disparate concepts, enhancing understanding through comparison. For instance, "The author "draws a parallel" between the economic crisis and the environmental degradation, illustrating their interconnectedness".

Common error

Avoid using "draws a parallel" when there is no clear or logical connection between the subjects being compared. Ensure the comparison adds value and isn't merely superficial or misleading. Always verify that the parallel is valid and serves to clarify or illuminate the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draws a parallel" functions as a verb phrase, where "draws" is the verb indicating the action of making a comparison, and "a parallel" is the object. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely utilized to highlight similarities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draws a parallel" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight similarities between different concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to establish connections and enhance understanding, mainly found in neutral writing such as news media, academic and scientific sources. The phrase is versatile but most effective when the comparison is valid and adds value to the discourse. Consider using alternatives like "makes an analogy" or "compares with" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes an analogy

Emphasizes the act of creating an analogy, focusing on the comparison between two things.

compares with

Directly indicates a comparison, focusing on similarities and differences.

establishes a connection

Highlights the act of linking two things together, suggesting a relationship or similarity.

finds a similarity

Focuses on discovering common traits or features between two subjects.

points out a resemblance

Emphasizes observing and noting similarities in appearance or characteristics.

highlights a correlation

Suggests a mutual relationship or connection between two things, where one affects the other.

identifies a link

Focuses on finding a connection or relationship, often suggesting a causal effect.

sees a relationship

Implies perceiving a connection or association between two or more things.

notes the similarity

Directly refers to acknowledging that similar features or aspects can be found between different entities.

likens to

A more concise way of saying something is similar or comparable to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "draws a parallel" in a sentence?

Use "draws a parallel" to compare two different things that share similar aspects. For example, "The documentary "draws a parallel" between the struggles of early immigrants and those of refugees today".

What are some alternatives to saying "draws a parallel"?

Alternatives include "makes an analogy", "compares with", or "establishes a connection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "draw a parallel" between two things?

To "draw a parallel" means to point out or highlight the similarities between two different things, often to explain or clarify a concept by relating it to something more familiar.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "draws a parallel"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a comparison that helps to clarify a point or argument. Ensure the comparison is meaningful and not just a superficial observation. Using the sentence the article "establishes a connection" between A and B for instance.