runs parallel to

USAGE SUMMARY

"runs parallel to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two objects, directions, concepts, ideas, etc. are occurring or happening at the same time/level/distance/etc. For example: "The train track runs parallel to the highway for most of its journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stretch your legs on the public footpath that runs parallel to the deer park.

The Guardian - Travel

A natural-gas pipeline runs parallel to the oil pipeline from Nasser.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Iran's "renewable energy boom" runs parallel to innovative water solutions being implemented.

Forbes

US 223 runs parallel to the Adrian & Blissfield Railroad that branches off southwest of the highway.

Wikipedia

The J8 Summit runs parallel to the G8.

Unicef

The river runs parallel to the freeway.

The Washington Post

Saffron Hill runs parallel to the (now underground) Fleet River.

The New York Times - Travel

Queen's Gate, which runs parallel to it, is jammed.

The Economist

A fourth mountain chain, the Cordillera del Chocó, runs parallel to the Pacific N of Buenaventura.

The Washington Post

We've expanded our comments section and now it runs parallel to the article you're reading.

The New York Times

Drops down to about six cm from coffin and runs parallel to the bottom.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "runs parallel to" to clearly indicate that two or more elements extend in the same direction and are always the same distance apart. This is especially useful in descriptions of geography, architecture, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "runs parallel to" when you mean similar or related. Parallel implies a constant, maintained distance or alignment, whereas similar suggests resemblance or likeness without a consistent spatial relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "runs parallel to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a spatial relationship where one object or path is consistently equidistant and aligned with another. This usage is supported by Ludwig examples, which often describe physical arrangements like roads running alongside rivers, or abstract relationships like simultaneous events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "runs parallel to" is a grammatically correct and useful prepositional phrase for describing spatial and conceptual relationships characterized by constant alignment and distance. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is relatively rare, it appears across reputable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and academic publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context truly reflects a parallel relationship, avoiding its use when simply indicating similarity or association. Consider alternative phrases like "is aligned with" or "corresponds to" when a less strict interpretation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is aligned with

Focuses on alignment rather than continuous parallelism.

is concurrent with

Emphasizes simultaneity or co-occurrence more than spatial arrangement.

is in line with

Suggests agreement or conformity rather than physical parallelism.

corresponds to

Highlights a relationship of similarity or equivalence.

mirrors

Implies a reflection or close resemblance, which is a more figurative comparison.

is juxtaposed with

Implies being placed side-by-side, but not necessarily aligned.

is equidistant from

Specifies maintaining an equal distance, a specific type of parallel relationship.

keeps pace with

Focuses on maintaining a similar rate of progress or change.

is symbiotic with

Denotes a mutually beneficial relationship where two things depend on each other.

coexists with

Simply indicates that two things exist in the same space or time, without implying any specific relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "runs parallel to" to describe spatial relationships, such as "The road runs parallel to the river", or abstract concepts, such as "His career runs parallel to hers in terms of success".

What are some alternatives to "runs parallel to"?

You can use alternatives like "is aligned with", "is concurrent with", or "corresponds to" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "running parallel to" instead of "runs parallel to"?

Yes, "running parallel to" can be used as a participial phrase. For example, "Running parallel to the highway, the train tracks offered a scenic view."

What is the difference between "runs parallel to" and "intersects with"?

"Runs parallel to" indicates that two lines or objects maintain a constant distance and do not meet. "Intersects with", on the other hand, means that two lines or objects cross each other at a point.