uncanny parallel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncanny parallel" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a striking similarity or resemblance between two situations, events, or ideas that is surprising or eerie. Example: "The uncanny parallel between the two novels reveals how both authors explored themes of isolation and identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is an uncanny parallel between the early Beach Boys and the art of southern California.

The Guardian - Arts

Today's red-state-blue-state divide, and Washington's vicious partisan battles, are an uncanny parallel of the war over the 1807 embargo.

The New York Times

One last uncanny parallel is the centrality to both narratives of the Midwest, an area with its own distinct character and peculiarities.

The New York Times - Books

And that uncanny parallel is one of many reasons that this adaptation by Andrew Davies, which begins on PBS this Sunday, is so timely.

The New York Times - Arts

Malik takes the first option, only for his victim to haunt him thereafter — and, at one point, to glow with fire, in uncanny parallel with the Dolores of "Shutter Island".

The New Yorker

The need to make headlines out of newly declassified files has given us the suggestion that WH Auden all but spirited Guy Burgess to Moscow, and "the uncanny parallel between [Orwell's] nightmarish vision of an all-seeing dictatorship and his own status for more than a decade as a target for the close scrutiny of the British security services".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Uncanny parallels with a Motley Crue biog surely".

The Guardian - Sport

He is also singularly qualified to note the many, sometimes uncanny, parallels between Champagne and sherry.

The New York Times - Food

There are uncanny parallels between Leicester and the Manchester City of Eriksson's tenure.

Independent

"There are uncanny parallels between the English and Australian higher education systems.

The Guardian

The twins' adoptive fathers both died of cancer, one of several uncanny parallels.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncanny parallel", ensure that the elements being compared share specific, identifiable similarities to justify the use of the term 'uncanny', implying a surprising or almost supernatural level of resemblance.

Common error

Avoid using "uncanny parallel" for superficial similarities. The phrase suggests a deeper, more surprising connection than a simple resemblance. Use it only when the shared traits are unexpectedly aligned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncanny parallel" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uncanny" modifies the noun "parallel". It indicates a surprising or mysterious similarity between two distinct things. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to draw comparisons across different domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncanny parallel" describes a surprising or strangely similar relationship between two distinct subjects. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, used to draw comparisons that highlight unexpected resemblances. Related phrases include "eerie similarity" and "striking resemblance". When using "uncanny parallel", ensure the comparison is based on specific, identifiable similarities. Overall, while not extremely common, the phrase is a useful and accepted way to describe notable, surprising parallels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eerie similarity

Replaces "uncanny" with "eerie", focusing on the unsettling nature of the resemblance.

surprising parallel

Simply replaces "uncanny" with "surprising", focusing on the unexpected nature of the similarity.

striking resemblance

Uses "striking" instead of "uncanny", emphasizing the impressiveness of the similarity.

remarkable correspondence

Substitutes both words for alternatives emphasizing the noteworthiness of the match.

notable similarity

Uses "notable" to highlight the significance of the resemblance.

peculiar analogy

Emphasizes the strangeness of the comparison using "peculiar".

strange likeness

Highlights the unusual nature of the similarity.

curious similarity

Focuses on the intriguing nature of the likeness.

unexpected correlation

Emphasizes the surprise element in the connection.

odd comparison

Highlights the unusual or strange nature of the comparison being made.

FAQs

How to use "uncanny parallel" in a sentence?

You can use "uncanny parallel" to highlight a surprising similarity between two things. For example: "There is an "uncanny parallel" between the events of the novel and real-world history".

What's an alternative to "uncanny parallel" that emphasizes surprise?

If you want to emphasize the surprising nature of the similarity, you could use phrases like "surprising parallel" or "unexpected correlation".

When is it appropriate to use "uncanny parallel" instead of just "similarity"?

"Uncanny parallel" is appropriate when the similarity is not only noticeable but also strangely surprising or unsettling. It implies a deeper, more mysterious connection than a simple "similarity".

How does "uncanny parallel" differ from "striking resemblance"?

While both phrases denote a significant similarity, "uncanny parallel" suggests a more mysterious or unsettling likeness, while "striking resemblance" simply emphasizes how noticeable the similarity is.