is parallel with

USAGE SUMMARY

"is parallel with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two objects that have the same direction and are at an equal distance from each other. For example, "The long hallway is parallel with the hallway on the other side of the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Align the tank so it is parallel with the rear wall, then tighten the bolts.

The New York Times

This sidewalk is parallel with the city street that has a modern rounded curb.

The Washington Post

Do not be surprised if your forearm does not even drop back so it is parallel with the bed's surface.

The New York Times - Sports

The moment is applied at the intersection and the moment vector is parallel with the intersection line.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Maximum volume is attained in each chamber when the side of the rotor forming it is parallel with the minor diameter of the casing; the volume is reduced to a minimum when the rotor side is parallel with the major diameter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He works at a remove from reality in all the forms he uses: what he writes is parallel with experience: true to it but never, by definition, meeting it.

The Guardian

Carefully fold this filled triangle over, so it is parallel with the length of the filo sheet, and in so doing wrapping the filling in pastry as you go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We learn about Fabian's views on homosexuality – "as a lawbreaking act, it is parallel with robbery with violence" – and that Pierrepoint knew from the age of eight that he wanted to be a professional hangman.

The Guardian

H3P30 positions its side chain prolyl ring such that the plane of the propyl ring is parallel with and stacks on top of the phenyl ring of Phe179 of JMJ13 (Fig. 3a), resulting in hydrophobic stacking and CH-π interactions.

Nature

The presented monochromator belongs to a group of coplanar in-line devices, which means that the input beam is parallel with the output beam.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

The coating is graded in the thickness direction and the material gradient is orthogonal to the crack direction which is parallel with the free surface.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical arrangements, ensure the objects truly maintain a constant distance from each other to accurately use "is parallel with".

Common error

Avoid using "is parallel with" when you mean "is similar to". Parallel implies a geometric relationship maintaining a constant distance, whereas similar indicates a resemblance in characteristics, which are often confused. Use "is similar to" if you're referring to a general likeness, and reserve "is parallel with" for literal, geometric contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is parallel with" serves as a prepositional phrase indicating a relationship of parallelism between two entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes that two items maintain an equal distance and direction from one another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is parallel with" is a prepositional phrase primarily used to describe objects or concepts that maintain a constant distance and direction from each other. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is both correct and widely applicable in written English. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, indicating its utility in both technical descriptions and general reporting. When writing, be mindful to use "is parallel with" to describe geometric or relational alignment, and not confuse it with phrases that denote simple similarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

runs parallel to

Focuses on the physical direction and path.

is aligned with

Focuses more on the physical or conceptual alignment.

is in line with

Emphasizes being in accordance or conformity.

corresponds to

Emphasizes a direct relationship or matching.

is equivalent to

Highlights the sameness in value or function.

is analogous to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison.

is comparable to

Indicates similarity that makes comparison suitable.

mirrors

Implies a direct reflection or imitation.

is in agreement with

Highlights consistency and matching of ideas.

is commensurate with

Implies a proportional relationship or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "is parallel with" in a sentence?

Use "is parallel with" to describe two lines, planes, or concepts that extend in the same direction and are equidistant. For instance, "The edge of the table is parallel with the wall" or "His career trajectory is parallel with hers".

What's a synonym for "is parallel with"?

Alternatives to "is parallel with" include "is aligned with", "is in line with", or "runs parallel to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'is parallel to' instead of "is parallel with"?

Yes, "is parallel to" is also correct and commonly used. The choice between "is parallel with" and "is parallel to" often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, though 'to' is more common overall.

When should I use "is parallel with" over "is similar to"?

Use "is parallel with" when referring to objects or concepts that have a constant distance and direction to each other, especially in geometric or abstract models. Use "is similar to" when discussing resemblance or likeness in characteristics, traits, or qualities.