have a parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or comparisons between two or more subjects, often in a metaphorical or abstract sense. Example: "The two theories have a parallel in their approach to understanding human behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women have a parallel initiation society known as Sandogo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You want a parallel concert, have a parallel concert.

The New York Times

If you raise money, have a parallel organisation, you can have much more influence.

The Guardian

The major secular institutions in the state often have a parallel, Church-owned counterpart.

The New Yorker

Some alloys, although not composed of any of the elements just mentioned, nevertheless have a parallel moment arrangement.

Britannica

"We have a parallel path between the soldier in the trench and the civilian here in Mons," he told me.

Independent

"My proposal is maybe we need to start to have a parallel dialogue on security at the same time when we're working on the peace process".

The New York Times

The nineteen countries in the eurozone (out of twenty-eight in the E.U). would adopt a single currency but would not have a parallel system to raise tax.

The New Yorker

The authorities have said for some years that Iran should have a parallel network which would conform to Islamic values and provide "appropriate" services.

The Guardian

That ruling in Windsor implies that California should have a parallel right to decide the definition of marriage for itself – i.e., that Proposition 8 should be upheld.

The Guardian

We are told to relax: the group is legal, and the Democrats have a parallel attorneys general group shaking the money tree for balance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a parallel", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared. Clearly articulate both subjects and the specific aspects where they align.

Common error

Avoid using "have a parallel" without specifying the subjects being compared. Ambiguity can confuse readers. Always clarify what elements "have a parallel".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a parallel" functions as a relational expression, indicating a similarity or correspondence between two or more entities. As supported by Ludwig, it effectively draws comparisons across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

29%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a parallel" is a versatile expression used to indicate similarities or correspondences between different subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While appropriate in both formal and informal settings, it’s crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating what is being compared. Alternatives like "share similarities" or "bear a resemblance" can offer nuanced variations. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in their writing. Ultimately, "have a parallel" serves as a valuable tool for drawing connections and highlighting similarities across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present a parallel

A slightly more formal way of saying "have a parallel".

share similarities

Emphasizes the shared aspects between two or more subjects.

bear a resemblance

Highlights a visual or superficial similarity.

draw a comparison

Focuses on the act of comparing and finding similarities.

show a correspondence

Suggests a direct relationship or connection.

exhibit an analogy

Implies a more complex and structural similarity.

mirror each other

Indicates a close and often exact similarity.

reflect a likeness

Highlights the way one thing reflects the characteristics of another.

correspond closely

Underscores the high degree of alignment and similarity.

display an equivalence

Indicates that two things are essentially equal in some respect.

FAQs

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

Use "have a parallel" to show similarity or correspondence between two subjects. For instance, "The two theories "have a parallel" in their approach to understanding human behavior".

What are some alternatives to "have a parallel"?

You can use alternatives such as "share similarities", "bear a resemblance", or "draw a comparison" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has a parallel" instead of "have a parallel"?

Yes, the correct verb form depends on the subject. Use "has a parallel" with singular subjects (e.g., "The study has a parallel in previous research") and "have a parallel" with plural subjects (e.g., "The two studies "have a parallel"").

What's the difference between ""have a parallel"" and "draw a parallel"?

"Have a parallel" describes an existing similarity, while "draw a parallel" refers to the act of making a comparison. For example, "These concepts "have a parallel"", but "Let's draw a parallel between these two events".