parallel positions

USAGE SUMMARY

"parallel positions" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe when two or more similar things are positioned in a way that is the same distance apart. For example, "The table legs are in parallel positions to create a stable surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The novel suggests, again and again, that locas and revolutionaries occupy parallel positions in Pinochet's Chile — a point made clear not least by Lemebel's version of Pinochet himself, who is the focus of the novel's second narrative strand.

The New Yorker

Long axis of the cortical bone and all osteons, occur in parallel positions.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

On the contrary, discharging at the parallel positions with the "Z" discharge path obtains the worst forming quality.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

Issues such as family vacations, costs, use of facilities, extracurricular activities, teacher and administrator stress, and even the summer-recreation industry too often enjoy parallel positions of importance.

Huffington Post

The behavior of marine sticklebacks appeared similar to typical schooling behavior exhibited when interacting with groups of live fish: the test fish took parallel positions with the models and occasionally changed their position amongst the models (Video S1; Fig. 4A).

Plosone

This was motivated by our observation that the benthic sticklebacks that do follow the school typically do not take parallel positions with the models and instead often appear as though they are "hiding" underneath the models (Fig. 4), whereas the marines exhibit obvious features of schooling behavior with the model school (Video S1, Fig. 4).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And in September, its president, Lawrence Tamburri, announced his impending departure for a parallel position at the Pittsburgh Symphony.

The New York Times

Still, it took a recommendation from Mr. Celeste to elevate Mr. Doron to a parallel position with Ms. Ashrawi.

The New York Times

He served as chief executive officer and president of Godfather's until 1996, when he assumed a parallel position with the National Restaurant Association.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their movement is deliberate and spare, making repetitive use of arms lifted with the palm facing upward, slow walks on pointe, and deep lunges, legs often in parallel position.

The New York Times

Stemming, as his steering moves were called, was performed by turning one ski to the side, in whichever direction the turn was intended, and quickly bringing the other ski into parallel position, a maneuver known as the stem Christiania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, use "parallel positions" to clearly indicate that objects are aligned and maintain a constant distance from each other. This is especially useful in technical or scientific writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "parallel positions" when objects are merely close to each other but not aligned in a way that maintains a consistent distance. For instance, items scattered randomly near each other are not in "parallel positions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parallel positions" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a preposition or a complement to a verb, describing the spatial arrangement or alignment of multiple entities. Ludwig indicates this is a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "parallel positions" is used to accurately describe the arrangement of multiple entities that are aligned and equidistant. It functions as a noun phrase, often appearing in scientific, technical, and news contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and can be used in written English. When composing your writing, be sure to use this term accurately when describing the arrangement of entities; also, consider using the suggested alternative phrases to add variety to your writing. Keep in mind it is incorrect to use this phrase when items are close but not aligned in a way that maintains a consistent distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

side-by-side alignment

Underscores adjacency and linear order.

aligned placement

Emphasizes the linear arrangement and order of elements.

even alignment

Focuses on the consistency of arrangement of two or more objects.

matching placement

Indicates a correspondence in how things are set up.

corresponding locations

Focuses on matching or equivalent spots between two entities.

uniform arrangement

Highlights the consistency and order in the positioning.

equidistant arrangement

Highlights the equal spacing between multiple objects.

like orientation

Focuses on the similar directional facing of items.

regular disposition

Emphasizes a consistent pattern or order.

collateral situation

Describes items placed next to each other.

FAQs

How can I accurately describe objects in side-by-side alignment using "parallel positions"?

To accurately describe objects in side-by-side alignment using "parallel positions", ensure they maintain a consistent distance from each other along their entire length. If the distance varies, consider using terms like "adjacent" or "nearby" instead.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "parallel positions"?

The term "parallel positions" is particularly useful in technical, scientific, and mathematical contexts where precise spatial relationships are crucial. It's less common in informal conversation, where simpler terms might suffice.

What are some alternatives to "parallel positions" that still convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "aligned placement", "side-by-side alignment", or "corresponding locations", depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is "parallel positions" always the best phrase to use when describing items that are next to each other?

No, "parallel positions" implies a specific spatial relationship where items are not only next to each other but also maintain a consistent distance and alignment. If the items are simply close but not aligned, other terms like "nearby" or "adjacent" may be more appropriate.