parallel argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parallel argument" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing reasoning or logic that runs alongside another argument, often to draw comparisons or contrasts. Example: "In her essay, she presented a parallel argument to highlight the differences between the two theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Iran is making a parallel argument.

The New York Times

Samih al-Maitah, Jordan's minister of information — also speaking before gas-price protests broke out — made a parallel argument.

The New York Times

Second, Mr Wright makes a parallel argument about biological evolution: it too moves towards greater complexity, and for the same basic reason.

The Economist

According to Dan Brown's parallel argument in The Da Vinci Code, Cameron's venture is so provocative he may now have to spend the rest of his life watching over his shoulder for homicidal albino monks.

The Guardian - Film

A parallel argument between Emma and another woman about the relative merits of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt — tireless painters of the female form, as is Emma herself — underlines the theme.

The New York Times

Matthew Bogdanos, the assistant district attorney who is prosecuting the case, made a somewhat parallel argument: that Mr. Combs's celebrity and arrogance had led to his crimes, since he and his entourage were waved into Club New York on West 43rd Street, where the shooting took place in the early hours of Dec. 27, 1999, with weapons tucked into their waistbands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Parallel arguments apply to sugary drinks.

The New York Times

And those attitudes are full of parallel arguments and competing claims.

The New York Times

"It's amazing how close" the parallel arguments are, said Professor Richard L. Hasen, an election law specialist at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Parallel arguments could be found in The Public Interest, the policy quarterly that specialized in rigorous critiques of federal antipoverty initiatives and pension fund "socialism".

The New York Times

This ambitious, sprawling survey of modern economics, from the Victorian era to the end of the twentieth century, tracks the emergence and growth of two parallel arguments against determinism: a rejection of the view of poverty as "a natural phenomenon" and the insistence that market spikes and crashes are not "acts of nature" but can be made subject to "instruments of mastery".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "parallel argument", ensure that the similarities and relevance between the two arguments are clearly articulated to enhance the understanding of your audience.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "parallel argument" implies identical conclusions. Clearly delineate where the arguments converge and diverge to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parallel argument" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of argumentative strategy. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "parallel argument" is a grammatically correct and usable term for describing similar lines of reasoning across different contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news media, suggesting a formal and neutral tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the connections between the arguments are clear to enhance understanding. While alternatives such as "analogous argument" or "similar line of reasoning" exist, "parallel argument" carries a specific weight in academic and professional discourse, underscoring its value in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analogous argument

Replaces 'parallel' with 'analogous', highlighting the similarity between arguments.

similar line of reasoning

Focuses on the reasoning process being similar, rather than the argument itself.

comparable argument

Emphasizes the comparability of the two arguments.

related argument

Indicates a connection or relationship between the arguments.

corresponding argument

Highlights a direct correspondence or mirroring between arguments.

equivalent argument

Suggests that the arguments are equal in force or meaning.

parallel line of thought

Shifts focus to the thought process instead of the structured argument.

matching argument

Emphasizes the matching aspects of the two arguments.

mirrored argument

Suggests the second argument is a reflection of the first.

alternative argument

Highlights a choice of argument where both are valid but different.

FAQs

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

You can use "parallel argument" to describe a similar line of reasoning or a comparable point made in a different context. For example, "The author presented a "parallel argument" in his second book to reinforce his initial claims".

What are some alternatives to using "parallel argument"?

Some alternatives include "analogous argument", "similar line of reasoning", or "comparable argument". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to fully explain both arguments when referencing a "parallel argument"?

While not always necessary, providing enough context for both arguments allows your audience to understand the connection and appreciate the strength of the "parallel argument". Summarize key points of each argument for clarity.

What is the difference between a "parallel argument" and a "counterargument"?

A "parallel argument" presents a similar line of reasoning, whereas a "counterargument" opposes the original argument. They serve different purposes in discourse.