parallel
parallel 30秒了解
- To be very similar to something else in a structural or meaningful way.
- To happen at the same time and develop in the exact same manner.
- To run alongside something physically without ever crossing or touching it.
- To correspond directly to another event, idea, or situation for comparison.
The verb 'parallel' is an incredibly useful and dynamic word in the English language that serves to describe situations where two or more things are similar, comparable, or happening at the same time in a way that suggests a meaningful connection. When we use 'parallel' as a verb, we are essentially drawing a conceptual line between two distinct entities, events, or concepts, and highlighting how they mirror each other in their progression, nature, or characteristics. This word originates from the Greek 'parallelos', meaning 'beside one another', which perfectly encapsulates its modern usage. In everyday conversation, as well as in academic and professional contexts, the ability to effectively use 'parallel' as a verb allows speakers and writers to draw powerful analogies and make complex comparisons with elegance and precision. For instance, you might say that a recent historical event parallels a situation from the past, indicating that the two events share striking similarities in their causes, developments, or outcomes. This usage goes beyond merely saying two things are 'like' each other; it implies a structural or systemic correspondence that is consistent over time or across different aspects. Furthermore, the verb 'parallel' is often used in scientific and technical writing to describe processes that occur simultaneously and independently but follow the same pattern or trajectory.
- Literal Meaning
- To extend in the same direction, equidistant at all points, like two train tracks running side by side without ever intersecting.
The new highway will parallel the existing railway line for about fifty miles.
In literature and storytelling, a subplot might parallel the main plot, reinforcing the central themes of the narrative through a different set of characters or circumstances. The beauty of this verb lies in its capacity to convey deep structural similarities without requiring lengthy explanations. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. You do not say 'A parallels with B'; instead, you simply say 'A parallels B'. This directness adds strength and clarity to the sentence. Understanding the nuances of 'parallel' also involves recognizing its forms: 'parallels' in the third-person singular present, 'paralleled' in the past tense and past participle, and 'paralleling' in the present participle. Each form maintains the core meaning of corresponding to or being similar to something else.
- Figurative Meaning
- To be similar or analogous to something else in a way that allows for a direct comparison of features or trends.
Her rise to power seems to parallel the journey of the previous CEO.
As learners progress from intermediate to advanced levels of English proficiency, mastering the verb 'parallel' becomes increasingly important for articulating sophisticated ideas and analyzing complex relationships. It is a word that frequently appears in analytical essays, news reports, and critical reviews, making it an essential component of a robust vocabulary. By incorporating 'parallel' into your active vocabulary, you can elevate your communication skills and express nuanced comparisons with greater accuracy and impact. The concept of paralleling is not just linguistic; it is a fundamental cognitive tool that humans use to make sense of the world by categorizing and comparing experiences.
The economic growth of the country continues to parallel its technological advancements.
- Historical Usage
- Historically, the verb has been used to draw comparisons between great leaders or significant epochs in human history.
The scientist's recent findings perfectly parallel the theoretical predictions made a decade ago.
Therefore, when you use the verb 'parallel', you are engaging in a high-level cognitive process that connects disparate pieces of information into a cohesive understanding. Whether you are discussing the trajectory of two different careers, the development of two separate technologies, or the themes of two distinct novels, the verb 'parallel' provides a concise and powerful way to articulate those connections. It is a testament to the richness of the English language that a single word can encapsulate such a complex and multifaceted concept, making it an indispensable tool for effective and articulate communication. The continuous evolution of language ensures that 'parallel' remains relevant.
The increase in global temperatures appears to parallel the rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
Using the verb 'parallel' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the contexts in which it is most appropriate. First and foremost, 'parallel' is a transitive verb. This means it must be followed by a direct object. A common mistake among learners is to treat it as an intransitive verb and add a preposition, such as 'parallel with' or 'parallel to'. While 'parallel to' is correct when 'parallel' is used as an adjective (e.g., 'The road is parallel to the river'), as a verb, it stands alone: 'The road parallels the river'. This distinction is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy and achieving a natural, fluent style in English writing and speaking. When conjugating the verb, the standard rules apply, but spelling can sometimes be tricky due to the double 'l' followed by a single 'l'. The forms are 'parallels' (present third-person singular), 'paralleled' (past and past participle), and 'paralleling' (present participle). In British English, you might occasionally see 'parallelled' or 'parallelling' with a double 'l' at the end, but the single 'l' is widely accepted and standard in American English. The verb is highly versatile and can be used in various tenses to convey different temporal relationships. In the present simple tense, it describes general truths or ongoing similarities: 'His ambition parallels his talent'. In the past simple tense, it describes historical comparisons: 'The 2008 financial crisis paralleled the Great Depression in several key ways'. In the present continuous tense, it emphasizes an ongoing process of similarity or simultaneous development: 'The software's development is paralleling the hardware upgrades'. Furthermore, 'parallel' is frequently used in the passive voice, particularly in academic and formal writing, to shift the focus onto the subject being compared rather than the entity making the comparison. For example, 'The protagonist's journey is paralleled by the changing seasons'. This passive construction is elegant and allows writers to create sophisticated sentence structures that highlight thematic connections. Beyond its grammatical mechanics, using 'parallel' effectively involves choosing the right context. It is a formal word, perfectly suited for analytical, academic, professional, and literary discourse. While it can be used in casual conversation, it often elevates the register of the discussion. You would use it when you want to point out that two situations are not just coincidentally similar, but share a structural, systemic, or meaningful correspondence. For instance, comparing the plot of a movie to a real-life event, or comparing the symptoms of two different diseases. It is also an excellent verb for describing physical geography or infrastructure, such as roads, rivers, or borders that run alongside each other. When using 'parallel' to describe physical alignment, it conveys a sense of continuous, unbroken proximity without intersection. To master the use of 'parallel', one should practice identifying situations in daily life or in reading materials where two distinct tracks—whether literal or metaphorical—are moving in the same direction or exhibiting the same characteristics. By consciously applying the verb 'parallel' to these observations, learners can internalize its syntactic requirements and semantic nuances, thereby enriching their expressive capabilities and demonstrating a high level of linguistic proficiency.
- Transitive Usage
- Always use 'parallel' with a direct object. Do not use prepositions like 'with' or 'to' after the verb form.
The path will parallel the coastline for the entire hike.
- Passive Voice
- Often used in passive constructions to emphasize the similarity rather than the actor.
Her incredible achievements are paralleled only by her deep humility.
- Continuous Form
- Used to show that two things are currently developing in the same way.
The company's rapid expansion is paralleling the growth of the tech industry as a whole.
His current struggles parallel the difficulties he faced early in his career.
The new regulations parallel those already implemented in European countries.
The verb 'parallel' is ubiquitous across a wide variety of formal, academic, and professional domains, making it a crucial vocabulary word for anyone looking to achieve fluency in English. You will frequently encounter this word in the realms of history, science, literature, business, and journalism. In historical discourse, historians and commentators use 'parallel' to draw connections between different eras, events, or figures. For example, a historian might argue that the political climate of the 1930s parallels the geopolitical tensions of the modern day. This usage helps audiences understand complex contemporary issues by framing them within the context of known historical outcomes. In the scientific community, 'parallel' is used to describe phenomena that occur simultaneously or exhibit similar patterns. A biologist might note that the evolutionary development of one species parallels that of another species in a completely different ecosystem, a concept known as convergent evolution. Similarly, in medical research, scientists might observe that the progression of a new virus parallels the spread of an older, well-documented disease. In the business and financial sectors, analysts frequently use the verb to compare market trends, company growth trajectories, or economic cycles. You might read a financial report stating that a startup's revenue growth parallels the early success of a major tech giant, suggesting a promising future for the new company. Literature and the arts also heavily rely on the verb 'parallel' for analytical purposes. Literary critics use it to discuss how different narrative threads, character arcs, or thematic elements interact within a text. A reviewer might point out that the protagonist's internal emotional struggle parallels the external conflict of the war raging around them. This highlights the author's structural choices and deepens the reader's appreciation of the work. In journalism and news media, reporters use 'parallel' to connect current events, making stories more relatable and understandable to the public. A news anchor might mention that a recent natural disaster parallels a similar event from a decade ago, providing a benchmark for the severity of the situation. Furthermore, in everyday professional environments, such as meetings or presentations, employees use 'parallel' to align strategies or compare project outcomes. For instance, a manager might say, 'Our marketing strategy for this quarter should parallel the successful campaign we ran last year.' Even in casual conversations among educated speakers, the word is used to point out interesting coincidences or similarities in personal experiences, such as saying, 'It is funny how your career path parallels mine.' The widespread use of 'parallel' across these diverse fields underscores its utility as a tool for comparison and analysis. It allows speakers to efficiently communicate complex relationships and structural similarities without needing to list every single shared attribute. By recognizing where and how 'parallel' is used in these different contexts, language learners can better appreciate its versatility and begin to incorporate it into their own domain-specific vocabulary, thereby enhancing their ability to engage in high-level discussions across various subjects.
- Historical Analysis
- Used by historians to compare events across different time periods.
The fall of the empire parallels the decline seen in other ancient civilizations.
- Business and Finance
- Used to compare market trends or company performance metrics.
Our sales growth this year closely parallels the projections made by our financial team.
- Literary Criticism
- Used to discuss themes, plots, and character developments in books and movies.
The hero's journey parallels the classic myth of the labyrinth.
The spread of the rumor paralleled the spread of the virus itself.
Her artistic development parallels the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s.
When learning to use the verb 'parallel', students frequently encounter a few specific pitfalls related to grammar, spelling, and semantic nuance. The most prevalent grammatical mistake is treating 'parallel' as an intransitive verb that requires a preposition. Because the adjective form often uses the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'The street is parallel to the avenue'), learners incorrectly apply this rule to the verb form, resulting in erroneous sentences like 'His story parallels to mine' or 'The results parallel with our expectations'. The correct usage requires a direct object immediately following the verb: 'His story parallels mine' and 'The results parallel our expectations'. This distinction is critical for achieving grammatical correctness and a natural flow in English. Another common area of difficulty is spelling. The word 'parallel' contains a double 'l' in the middle and a single 'l' at the end, which can be confusing. When conjugating the verb into the past tense or present participle, American English maintains the single 'l' at the end ('paralleled', 'paralleling'), whereas British English sometimes doubles the final 'l' ('parallelled', 'parallelling'). However, the single 'l' spelling is widely accepted globally and is generally the safer choice to avoid confusion. Misspelling the base word as 'paralell' or 'parallell' is also a frequent error that can detract from the professionalism of written work. Semantically, learners sometimes misuse 'parallel' by applying it to situations where two things are merely slightly similar or share a single minor trait. The verb 'parallel' implies a strong, structural, or systemic similarity—a continuous correspondence across multiple points of comparison. If two things only share a superficial resemblance, words like 'resemble' or 'remind' are more appropriate. Using 'parallel' for weak comparisons dilutes the impact of the word. Additionally, learners might confuse 'parallel' with 'intersect'. While 'parallel' means running alongside without touching, 'intersect' means crossing paths. Therefore, saying 'Their lives paralleled when they met at the conference' is contradictory; if they met, their lives intersected, they did not parallel. Understanding this geometric origin of the word helps clarify its figurative use. Finally, there is a tendency to overuse the passive voice with 'parallel'. While 'is paralleled by' is grammatically correct and useful for emphasis, overusing it can make writing sound overly dense and academic. Active constructions ('A parallels B') are often punchier and more direct. By being mindful of these common mistakes—avoiding unnecessary prepositions, mastering the spelling, ensuring the comparison is robust enough to warrant the word, distinguishing it from intersection, and balancing active and passive voice—learners can confidently and accurately incorporate the verb 'parallel' into their advanced vocabulary repertoire, thereby significantly improving their written and spoken English proficiency.
- Adding Prepositions
- Incorrectly adding 'to' or 'with' after the verb. It is a transitive verb and takes a direct object.
Incorrect: His ideas parallel with mine. Correct: His ideas parallel mine.
- Spelling Errors
- Misspelling the word by doubling the wrong letters, such as 'paralell' or 'parallell'.
Make sure to spell it correctly: p-a-r-a-l-l-e-l. The past tense is paralleled.
- Weak Comparisons
- Using 'parallel' for things that are only slightly similar rather than structurally analogous.
Instead of saying 'Her dress parallels mine' (too formal/strong), say 'Her dress resembles mine'.
Incorrect: The roads parallel at the intersection. Correct: The roads intersect.
Ensure you use the active voice for clearer sentences: The new law parallels the old one.
Expanding your vocabulary involves not only learning new words but also understanding the subtle distinctions between synonyms. The verb 'parallel' has several synonyms, each carrying its own unique shade of meaning and appropriate context. One of the most common synonyms is 'match'. While 'match' implies that two things are identical or correspond perfectly in a specific aspect, 'parallel' suggests a broader, structural similarity or simultaneous progression. For example, 'His tie matches his suit' is appropriate, but 'His career matches mine' lacks the nuance of continuous development over time that 'His career parallels mine' provides. Another closely related word is 'mirror'. 'Mirror' implies a reflection, suggesting that one thing is a direct, often inverse or exact, copy of another. 'The calm water mirrored the sky' is literal, while 'Her actions mirror her mother's' is figurative. 'Parallel' is less about exact reflection and more about moving in the same direction or sharing a similar trajectory. 'Echo' is another beautiful synonym, often used in literature and rhetoric. To 'echo' something is to repeat or resonate with it, usually with a slight delay or lesser intensity, much like a sound bouncing off a wall. 'His speech echoed the sentiments of the crowd'. 'Parallel', on the other hand, implies a more equal, side-by-side relationship rather than a repetition. 'Correspond' is a formal synonym that means to be in agreement or conformity with something. 'The written account corresponds with the video evidence'. While 'correspond' often requires the preposition 'with' or 'to', 'parallel' does not. 'Align' is used when things are brought into agreement or cooperation, often intentionally. 'We need to align our goals with the company's mission'. 'Parallel' can describe a natural state of similarity without the intentional adjustment implied by 'align'. 'Resemble' simply means to look like or be similar to something, often focusing on physical appearance or superficial traits. 'He resembles his grandfather'. 'Parallel' is rarely used for physical appearance unless referring to geometric lines. Understanding these nuances allows writers and speakers to choose the exact word that fits their intended meaning. If you want to emphasize simultaneous development and structural similarity, 'parallel' is the best choice. If you want to emphasize exact duplication, use 'mirror'. If you want to emphasize agreement, use 'correspond'. If you want to emphasize repetition, use 'echo'. By mastering this cluster of related verbs, learners can express themselves with greater precision, clarity, and stylistic flair, elevating their English from functional to truly fluent and expressive. This nuanced understanding is a hallmark of advanced language proficiency.
- Mirror
- To reflect or represent something exactly. Often used for direct, exact similarities.
The decline in sales mirrors the overall economic downturn.
- Echo
- To be similar to something that happened before, like a repeating sound.
The current political debates echo the arguments of the 1960s.
- Correspond
- To match or be in agreement with something. Usually takes the preposition 'to' or 'with'.
The numbers on the map correspond to the list of cities in the index.
We must align our marketing strategy with our new product launch.
The two brothers closely resemble each other in their physical appearance.
How Formal Is It?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
Passive Voice Constructions
Comparative Structures
Present Continuous Tense for Ongoing Trends
Spelling Rules for Doubling Consonants
按水平分级的例句
The new road parallels the old train track.
The road goes next to the track.
Used here in the present simple tense with a direct object.
The blue line parallels the red line on the paper.
The lines are next to each other.
A very simple physical description.
The river parallels the tall mountains.
The river flows next to the mountains.
Shows a geographic relationship.
His path parallels my path to the school.
He walks the same way I do.
Introduces the idea of two people doing the same thing.
The fence parallels the edge of the garden.
The fence is next to the garden edge.
Describes a physical boundary.
The long street parallels the beautiful beach.
The street is next to the beach.
Common way to describe city layouts.
The small boat parallels the big ship.
The boat moves next to the ship.
Shows two things moving in the same direction.
The wall parallels the side of the house.
The wall is next to the house.
Basic architectural description.
Her daily routine parallels mine almost exactly.
She does the same things I do every day.
Introduces the concept of comparing habits.
The new highway parallels the river for ten miles.
The highway goes next to the river.
Using distance to describe the parallel relationship.
His story parallels the plot of a famous movie.
His story is very similar to a movie.
First introduction to figurative, non-physical use.
The two careers paralleled each other for years.
Their jobs were very similar for a long time.
Past tense usage showing historical similarity.
The train tracks parallel the main road into the city.
The tracks go next to the road.
Classic physical example of the word.
My opinion on the subject parallels yours.
I think the same way you do.
Using the verb to express agreement or similar thoughts.
The development of the two cities paralleled each other.
The cities grew in the same way.
Describing simultaneous growth.
The hiking trail parallels the stream in the forest.
The trail goes next to the water.
Nature description.
The recent economic crisis parallels the events of 2008.
The crisis is very similar to what happened in 2008.
Using the verb to compare historical events.
Her rise to fame closely parallels that of her mother.
She became famous in the same way her mother did.
Comparing life trajectories.
The author's life parallels the experiences of his main character.
The author's life is like the character's life.
Literary comparison.
The increase in crime parallels the rise in unemployment.
Crime goes up at the same time unemployment goes up.
Showing correlation between two social issues.
The two experiments were paralleling each other in different labs.
The experiments were happening at the same time and in the same way.
Past continuous tense for simultaneous action.
His musical style parallels the jazz legends of the past.
His music sounds very similar to old jazz music.
Comparing artistic styles.
The company's success parallels the growth of the internet.
The company grew as the internet grew.
Comparing business growth to a technological trend.
The symptoms of the new virus parallel those of the flu.
The virus makes you sick in the same way the flu does.
Medical comparison.
The structural complexity of the novel parallels the psychological state of the protagonist.
The book's structure reflects the character's mind.
Advanced literary analysis using abstract concepts.
The geopolitical tensions in the region parallel the situation before the war.
The political problems are similar to the pre-war problems.
Discussing complex political situations.
Her groundbreaking research is paralleled by her dedication to teaching.
Her teaching is as impressive as her research.
Passive voice construction to emphasize equal importance.
The evolution of the two species paralleled each other due to similar environmental pressures.
The animals evolved similarly because of their environment.
Scientific context explaining convergent evolution.
The rapid adoption of the technology parallels the spread of mobile phones in the 1990s.
The new tech is spreading as fast as old cell phones did.
Comparing technological trends across decades.
The decline of the empire paralleled the decay of its moral foundations.
The empire fell as its morals got worse.
Historical analysis linking physical decline to abstract concepts.
The artist's later works parallel the abstract expressionist movement.
The art is similar to abstract expressionism.
Art history comparison.
The software's development cycle paralleled the hardware engineering process.
The software and hardware were made at the same time.
Technical project management context.
The rhetorical strategies employed in the speech closely parallel those found in classical oratory.
The speech uses the same techniques as ancient speeches.
Academic analysis of speech and rhetoric.
The intricate subplot is designed to parallel the overarching thematic concerns of the narrative.
The small story reflects the big themes of the book.
Advanced literary criticism.
The current macroeconomic indicators parallel the anomalous data observed during the previous fiscal quarter.
The economy looks like the strange data from last quarter.
High-level financial and economic analysis.
His profound sense of isolation was paralleled only by his extraordinary intellectual output.
He was very lonely, but also very smart.
Sophisticated passive construction describing complex human conditions.
The legislative reforms parallel the shifting demographic realities of the nation.
The new laws match the changing population.
Sociopolitical analysis.
The trajectory of the disease paralleled the epidemiological models predicted by the researchers.
The disease spread exactly as the scientists guessed it would.
Advanced scientific and medical terminology.
The composer's use of dissonance parallels the societal unrest of the era.
The harsh music reflects the troubled society.
Musicology and cultural analysis.
The philosophical underpinnings of the movement parallel the tenets of existentialism.
The movement's ideas are similar to existentialist philosophy.
Philosophical discourse.
The jurisprudential evolution of the doctrine parallels the gradual shift in societal mores over the century.
The law changed as society's morals changed.
Highly specialized legal and sociological vocabulary.
The syntactic structures of the indigenous language parallel those of its distant linguistic cousins, suggesting a shared proto-language.
The language's grammar is similar to related languages, showing a common ancestor.
Advanced linguistics and etymology.
The author's deliberate obfuscation of the timeline parallels the protagonist's descent into cognitive dissonance.
The confusing timeline reflects the character's confusing mind.
Master-level literary analysis.
The quantum entanglement observed in the experiment parallels the theoretical constructs proposed by early physicists.
The quantum physics experiment matches old theories.
Advanced theoretical physics context.
The subtle interplay of light and shadow in the painting parallels the moral ambiguity of its subjects.
The lighting in the art reflects the unclear morals of the people in it.
Sophisticated art criticism.
The bureaucratic inertia of the institution paralleled the systemic failures of the broader governmental apparatus.
The slow organization reflected the failing government.
High-level political science and organizational analysis.
The metaphysical implications of the poem parallel the ontological inquiries of the 17th-century rationalists.
The poem's deep meanings are like old philosophical questions.
Deep philosophical and literary synthesis.
The intricate choreography of the ballet paralleled the complex polyphony of the accompanying musical score.
The complex dance matched the complex music.
Advanced performing arts critique.
近义词
反义词
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
容易混淆
句型
如何使用
Using 'parallel' signals to the listener that you are making a thoughtful, structured comparison, not just a casual observation.
While formal, it is sometimes used colloquially to mean 'agree with', as in 'My thoughts parallel yours', though 'agree' is more common.
'Parallel' implies a continuous, non-intersecting similarity. If two things eventually become the exact same thing, they 'converge', not 'parallel'.
- Adding 'with' or 'to' after the verb (e.g., 'parallels with').
- Misspelling the word as 'paralell' or 'parallell'.
- Using it to describe superficial physical resemblance between people.
- Confusing it with 'intersect' when describing paths that cross.
- Overusing the passive voice ('is paralleled by') in casual conversation.
小贴士
No Prepositions Needed
Never use 'with' or 'to' after the verb 'parallel'. It is a transitive verb. Just put the object right after it. For example, say 'My story parallels yours', not 'My story parallels with yours'.
Watch the L's
The spelling can be tricky. Remember there is a double 'l' in the middle and a single 'l' at the end. The past tense is 'paralleled'. A good trick is to visualize the two 'l's in the middle as parallel train tracks.
Structural Similarity
Use 'parallel' when comparing the structure, timeline, or development of two things. Don't use it just because two things share one minor detail. It implies a deep, meaningful connection.
Elevate Your Writing
Replace simple phrases like 'is very similar to' with 'parallels' in your academic essays. It instantly makes your writing sound more sophisticated and analytical. It is a favorite word of professors and professionals.
Stress the First Syllable
When speaking, make sure to put the stress on the first syllable: PA-ra-lel. Misplacing the stress can make the word hard to understand. Practice saying it aloud a few times.
Great for History and Lit
This is the perfect verb for history and literature classes. Use it to compare historical eras or to connect a book's subplot to its main theme. It shows you understand complex relationships.
Passive Voice is Okay
Don't be afraid to use the passive voice: 'is paralleled by'. It is very common in formal English. It helps vary your sentence structure and emphasizes the main subject.
Know the Synonyms
Learn words like 'mirror', 'echo', and 'correspond' alongside 'parallel'. Knowing the slight differences between them will make your vocabulary much richer. 'Parallel' is best for simultaneous development.
Not for Physical Looks
Avoid using 'parallel' to describe how people look. Say 'He resembles his dad', not 'He parallels his dad'. Save 'parallel' for abstract concepts, careers, or events.
Learn the Noun Form Too
Familiarize yourself with the phrase 'without parallel'. It means something is uniquely amazing. Even though it uses the noun form, it helps reinforce the concept of comparison.
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of the two 'l's in the middle of the word 'parallel' as two train tracks running side by side, perfectly paralleling each other.
词源
Greek
文化背景
The phrase 'without parallel' is often used to describe something uniquely excellent, implying nothing else can even be compared to it.
In British English, the past tense is sometimes spelled 'parallelled', but 'paralleled' is more universally accepted and standard in American English.
Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' is a famous historical work that compares Greek and Roman figures, cementing the concept of paralleling lives in Western literature.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"Can you think of a historical event that parallels something happening today?"
"Does your current career path parallel what you studied in university?"
"Have you ever read a book where the main character's life parallels your own?"
"Do you think the development of AI parallels the rise of the internet?"
"How does the culture of your home country parallel the culture here?"
日记主题
Describe a time when your experiences paralleled those of a close friend.
Analyze a movie or book where a subplot parallels the main story.
Write about how a recent technological advancement parallels a past invention.
Reflect on how your personal growth parallels the changing seasons.
Discuss a situation in your life that has no parallel.
常见问题
10 个问题When using 'parallel' as a verb, you do not use any preposition. You simply say 'A parallels B'. The phrase 'parallel to' is used when 'parallel' is an adjective, like 'The line is parallel to the other line'. Adding a preposition after the verb is a very common grammatical mistake. Always follow the verb directly with its object. This makes your sentence stronger and grammatically correct.
In standard American English, the past tense is spelled 'paralleled' with a single 'l' at the end. The double 'l' remains in the middle of the word. In British English, you might occasionally see it spelled 'parallelled' with a double 'l' at the end. However, the single 'l' spelling is widely accepted everywhere and is generally the safest choice. Always remember: one 'r', two 'l's in the middle.
Yes, but usually not to describe their physical appearance. You would not say 'John parallels his brother' to mean they look alike. Instead, you use it to describe their lives, careers, or experiences. For example, 'John's career path parallels his brother's'. This means their careers have developed in very similar ways. It compares abstract trajectories rather than physical traits.
'Match' usually implies that two things are identical or fit perfectly together, like matching socks or matching a description. 'Parallel' implies a broader, structural similarity or simultaneous progression over time. Two things can parallel each other without being exactly identical. For instance, a book's plot can parallel a historical event without matching every single detail perfectly.
Yes, 'parallel' is generally considered a formal or academic word when used as a verb to describe figurative similarities. It is highly appropriate for essays, professional reports, and analytical discussions. While you can use it in casual conversation, it elevates the register of your speech. Using it shows a high level of vocabulary proficiency.
Yes, absolutely. This is a very common use of the word, especially in history and literature. You can say that an event happening today parallels an event that happened 100 years ago. The word describes the structural similarity of the events, not necessarily that they are happening at the exact same moment in time. It draws a connection across time.
'Without parallel' is an idiomatic phrase meaning that something is so exceptionally good, bad, or extreme that nothing else can be compared to it. It means it is unique or unparalleled. For example, 'Her dedication to the project is without parallel'. In this phrase, 'parallel' functions as a noun, meaning a comparable thing or equal.
Yes, 'parallel' is frequently used in the passive voice, especially in formal writing. The structure is 'A is paralleled by B'. For example, 'The country's economic growth is paralleled by its cultural renaissance'. This construction is useful when you want to emphasize the subject of the sentence rather than the thing it is being compared to.
If you are talking about physical lines, the opposite is 'intersect' (to cross) or 'diverge' (to move apart). If you are using it figuratively to mean 'similar', the opposites would be 'contrast', 'differ', or 'diverge'. For example, 'His opinions diverge from mine' is the opposite of 'His opinions parallel mine'.
It is pronounced with three syllables: PA-ra-lel. The stress is on the first syllable. The first 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'cat' (/æ/), the second 'a' is a schwa sound (/ə/), and the 'e' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed' (/e/). Make sure to clearly pronounce the 'l' sounds, but do not overemphasize the middle syllable.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'parallel' is a powerful tool for drawing deep, structural comparisons between two things that are developing similarly or share significant characteristics, without requiring them to be exactly identical.
- To be very similar to something else in a structural or meaningful way.
- To happen at the same time and develop in the exact same manner.
- To run alongside something physically without ever crossing or touching it.
- To correspond directly to another event, idea, or situation for comparison.
No Prepositions Needed
Never use 'with' or 'to' after the verb 'parallel'. It is a transitive verb. Just put the object right after it. For example, say 'My story parallels yours', not 'My story parallels with yours'.
Watch the L's
The spelling can be tricky. Remember there is a double 'l' in the middle and a single 'l' at the end. The past tense is 'paralleled'. A good trick is to visualize the two 'l's in the middle as parallel train tracks.
Structural Similarity
Use 'parallel' when comparing the structure, timeline, or development of two things. Don't use it just because two things share one minor detail. It implies a deep, meaningful connection.
Elevate Your Writing
Replace simple phrases like 'is very similar to' with 'parallels' in your academic essays. It instantly makes your writing sound more sophisticated and analytical. It is a favorite word of professors and professionals.
例句
The new highway parallels the old railway line for several miles.
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
更多Math词汇
add
A1将某物与另一物放在一起以增加总数、尺寸或质量。
addition
B2加法是将一个东西与另一个东西合并的行为。在数学中,它指求和的运算。
adnumerate
C1adnumerate 是指为了得出正式总数而进行的正式且通常是古老的计数或核算行为。
aggregate
A2该网站聚合了来自不同来源的新闻,以便用户阅读。
algebraic
B2与代数有关或涉及代数的,代数是数学的一个分支,使用字母和符号来表示数字和数量。
amount
B1某物的数量,特别是无法计数的事物,如液体或抽象品质。
angle
C1处于倾斜或倾斜的位置;呈现信息时采取的有偏见的或特定的视角。
antiequancy
C1“非等效状态”(Antiequancy)描述的是两个元素根本不等效,且无法通过通用的比较方法进行平衡或标准化的状态。
antimodion
C1指用于抵消或平衡主要标准的替代或补偿性计量单位。
antiparless
C1我们需要antiparless这个数据集,以确保算法的公平性。