parallel to each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parallel to each other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe that two objects, lines, or paths are placed alongside each other at an equal distance and with similar direction, such as: The sidewalks were laid out alongside the road, parallel to each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the forces orient the dipoles parallel to each other, the behaviour is ferromagnetic (see below).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dressed alike in black trunks and red T-shirts, the men move parallel to each other and through grappling encounters.

The New York Times - Arts

Limited accuracy can become an issue when, for example, two streets run nearly parallel to each other.

The New York Times - Tech

Many of the monolayer's edges run parallel to each other.

Nanoscale Research Letters

They should be angled approximately parallel to each other.

Progress in Orthodontics

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with pores parallel to each other.

Nanoscale Research Letters

An electric field and a magnetic field are parallel to each other.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The quaternary structure consists of two dyad-symmetric dimers that are nearly parallel to each other.

Science Magazine

When the film is under tension, steady-state channelling cracks form in parallel to each other.

Thin Solid Films

The well-oriented nanowires are parallel to each other and uniformly distributed.

Nano Energy

In both SAGD and VAPEX processes, injectors and producers are parallel to each other.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, use "parallel to each other" to clearly indicate that objects or lines maintain a constant distance and do not intersect. This is particularly useful in technical or scientific writing where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "parallel with" instead of "parallel to." While "with" can indicate a relationship, "to" is the correct preposition to denote the geometric relationship of parallelism. For instance, say "the lines are parallel to each other", not "the lines are parallel with each other."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "parallel to each other" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, describing the spatial relationship between two or more entities. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it indicates that the entities maintain a constant distance and do not intersect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "parallel to each other" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a spatial relationship where two or more entities maintain a constant distance and do not intersect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, everyday instructions, and news media. While alternatives like "side by side" or "in alignment with each other" exist, "parallel to each other" is particularly suited for precise, geometric descriptions. Remember to avoid the common error of using "parallel with" instead of "parallel to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running parallel

Slightly more concise and emphasizes the ongoing state of being parallel.

arranged in parallel

Highlights the deliberate act of positioning objects in a parallel manner.

alongside one another

This phrase emphasizes the physical proximity and arrangement of items next to each other.

side by side

Implies a direct comparison or contrast, often used when evaluating two distinct options.

in alignment with each other

Highlights the agreement or harmony between two entities or concepts.

equidistant from one another

Focuses on the equal spacing between multiple objects, rather than just two.

in a parallel configuration

More formal and technical, often used in engineering or scientific contexts.

in the same direction

Focuses on the shared orientation or path, rather than the spatial relationship.

similarly oriented

Emphasizes the shared direction or alignment, but may not necessarily imply physical proximity.

following a similar path

Emphasizes the shared trajectory or route, rather than the spatial relationship.

FAQs

How do I use "parallel to each other" in a sentence?

Use "parallel to each other" to describe two or more lines, objects, or concepts that extend in the same direction and are always the same distance apart. For example, "The train tracks run "parallel to each other"".

What's the difference between "parallel to each other" and "in alignment with each other"?

"Parallel to each other" typically refers to a geometric relationship, while "in alignment with each other" can also describe a conceptual agreement or shared goal.

What can I say instead of "parallel to each other"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "side by side", "alongside one another", or "running parallel".

Is it grammatically correct to say "parallel with each other"?

No, the correct phrasing is "parallel to each other". "Parallel with" is a common error; always use "to" to indicate the relationship of parallelism.