draw a parallel
/drɔː ə ˈpærəlɛl/
Meaning
This expression means to point out a similarity or make a comparison between two different things, such as historical events, theories, or situations. It is used in analytical writing to help the reader understand a complex or unfamiliar concept by comparing it to something else.
Examples
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The historian drew a parallel between the fall of Rome and modern economic crises.
The historian drew a parallel between the fall of Rome and modern economic crises.
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It is easy to draw a parallel between the two main characters in the novel.
It is easy to draw a parallel between the two main characters in the novel.
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The author draws a parallel between biological evolution and technological progress.
The author draws a parallel between biological evolution and technological progress.
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We can draw a parallel between the current climate crisis and past ecological shifts.
We can draw a parallel between the current climate crisis and past ecological shifts.
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She drew a parallel between the company's restructuring and a political revolution.
She drew a parallel between the company's restructuring and a political revolution.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The researcher made a parallel between the two cases.
✓ The researcher drew a parallel between the two cases.
The standard verb collocation is 'draw' a parallel, not 'make' or 'do'.
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✗ It is difficult to draw a parallel with these two distinct cultures.
✓ It is difficult to draw a parallel between these two distinct cultures.
When comparing two things, use the preposition 'between'. You draw a parallel 'between' A and B.
Related Expressions
Practice
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In his essay, the student attempts to ___ the French and Russian revolutions.
💡 Compare and show similarities between.
Show answer
draw a parallel
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It is misleading to ___ between these two completely different economic models.
💡 Point out a similarity.
Show answer
draw a parallel