parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parallel to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is positioned alongside something else, in a similar way. For example: The new path runs parallel to the existing road.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parallel to Chas.

The New Yorker

It's a parallel to Mardy.

The New York Times - Sports

The telephone wires run parallel to everything.

The New Yorker

The two laws seem parallel to me.

The New York Times

He drew a parallel to Russia.

The New York Times

→Swim parallel to the shore.

The Washington Post

Chelsea provide the parallel to Mancini's club.

The Guardian - Sport

"Obviously, it's an easy parallel to draw.

The Guardian - Film

Body is tilted parallel to the slope.

The New York Times

(It's parallel to the word "queer").

The New Yorker

The parallel to Whitaker's case is apparent.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "parallel to" to clearly indicate that two or more lines, objects, or concepts are positioned side by side and maintain a consistent distance from each other, or share similar characteristics. Ensure the context makes it clear what elements are being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "parallel to" when "in parallel" is more appropriate. "Parallel to" describes a spatial relationship, while "in parallel" describes actions or processes occurring simultaneously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parallel to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the relative position or direction of one entity with respect to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and grammatically sound. The phrase can also denote a similarity or analogy between two concepts or situations, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "parallel to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe spatial alignment, similarities, or correspondences between different elements. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It is essential to distinguish its meaning from "in parallel", which denotes simultaneous actions. This phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki articles and is understood in both formal and informal contexts. Be sure to choose the most appropriate alternative, like "alongside" or "similar to", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alongside

Implies a position directly next to something, often suggesting movement in the same direction.

in alignment with

Indicates agreement or correspondence in terms of principles or objectives.

corresponding to

Suggests a direct relationship or similarity between two things.

similar to

Highlights the resemblance or likeness between two or more entities.

analogous to

Emphasizes a comparison based on similar aspects or functions.

akin to

Indicates a close similarity or relationship, often used in a figurative sense.

resembling

Focuses on the visual or superficial similarities between objects or concepts.

comparable to

Suggests that two things can be fairly compared, often implying similar qualities or characteristics.

equivalent to

Implies a state of being equal or interchangeable in value or function.

in agreement with

Indicates concordance or consistency with a statement, idea, or set of principles.

FAQs

How do you use "parallel to" in a sentence?

Use "parallel to" to describe something positioned alongside another, maintaining a consistent distance. For example: "The river runs "parallel to the freeway"".

What's the difference between "parallel to" and "similar to"?

"Parallel to" implies a spatial or abstract alignment, while "similar to" indicates resemblance or likeness. Use "parallel to" when referring to a direct side-by-side relationship, and "similar to" when comparing qualities or characteristics.

Can "parallel to" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "parallel to" can be used to draw comparisons between abstract concepts. For example: "This is "parallel to your ego"", meaning there are similarities or connections between the two.

What are some alternatives to using "parallel to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "alongside", "in alignment with", or "corresponding to" to convey a similar meaning.