run parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "run parallel to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are aligned in the same direction or have a similar course without intersecting. Example: "The two roads run parallel to each other, making it easy to navigate the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The telephone wires run parallel to everything.

The New Yorker

The federal probe will run parallel to McCulloch's state investigation.

The Guardian

The portions getting less so run parallel to the connector.

The Washington Post

It will be built by Acrow Corporation of Carlstadt, N.J., and run parallel to West Street.

The New York Times

"The plots of these Chinese opera scenes run parallel to the real-life situations.

The New York Times - Arts

Usually, the joists run parallel to the direction of the rafters.

The New York Times

In "coercive diplomacy," Bush explains, the diplomatic track would run parallel to the military track.

The New Yorker

Several significant seamount ridges run parallel to the coast in this region.

The Guardian

They aren't religious, per se, but they run parallel to religion.

The New Yorker

These trenches are usually long and narrow, and run parallel to and near the oceans margins.

University of California, Berkeley

Here the plate boundary is split into several faults, which run parallel to each other.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial relationships, ensure that "run parallel to" is followed by a clear and specific reference point. For example, specify what the object or line is running parallel to: "The road runs parallel to the river."

Common error

Avoid using "run parallel to" when you mean to describe processes that are merely similar or related. Ensure a genuine sense of non-intersection or alignment is present, not just a thematic connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "run parallel to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to describe spatial relationships. It indicates that two or more objects or paths extend in the same direction and maintain a consistent distance apart. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "run parallel to" is a versatile phrase used to describe alignment and consistent distance between objects or processes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, reflecting its applicability in both technical and general descriptions. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify what is running parallel to what. While alternatives like "be aligned with" exist, "run parallel to" provides a direct and commonly understood way to communicate spatial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aligned with

Emphasizes alignment rather than the action of running or proceeding.

be equidistant from

Focuses on maintaining equal distance, a specific type of parallel relationship.

follow the same course as

Highlights similarity in path or direction, applicable in both literal and figurative senses.

lie alongside

Describes a static spatial relationship where one thing is situated next to another.

extend in the same direction as

Focuses on the directional aspect of being parallel.

keep pace with

Implies a dynamic relationship of maintaining similar progress or development.

mirror the path of

Highlights the reflective or mimicking nature of following a similar course.

duplicate the trajectory of

Emphasizes the precise replication of a path or course.

go hand in hand with

Suggests a close and cooperative relationship, often used figuratively.

coincide with

Implies events or processes happening at the same time or place, sharing a parallel existence.

FAQs

How can I use "run parallel to" in a sentence?

Use "run parallel to" to describe objects or paths that extend in the same direction and maintain a consistent distance apart. For example, "The new bike path will "run parallel to" the highway."

What can I say instead of "run parallel to"?

You can use alternatives like "be aligned with", "lie alongside", or "follow the same course as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "runs parallel with" instead of "run parallel to"?

While "runs parallel with" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""run parallel to"" is more common and idiomatic. It more directly conveys the sense of alignment or non-intersection.

What's the difference between "run parallel to" and "intersect with"?

"Run parallel to" indicates that two or more things extend in the same direction without meeting, while "intersect with" means they cross each other at some point.