Parallelly or Parallely – Which is Correct?

Parallelly or Parallely – Which is Correct?

Ah, the English language. It never fails to surprise us with its ever-running maze of rules and exceptions. Today, we find ourselves embarking on a journey to uncover the truth behind an age-old debate: Which is correct, “parallelly” or “parallely”? Join me as we navigate through the twists and turns of grammar to reach a satisfying conclusion.

First things first, let’s take a closer look at these two contenders. “Parallelly” and “parallely” both sound quite similar, don’t they? However, when it comes to their usage, we begin to see slight differences. “Parallelly” is more commonly used and accepted, while “parallely” is considered an alternative form.

Now, let’s learn the world of English grammar to understand why “parallelly” has emerged as the preferable choice. Adverbs, which modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often end in “-ly.” Think about words like “quickly,” “happily,” or “carefully” – all of them convey action or manner. So, it’s only natural that when we want to express something happening in parallel to something else, we add the adverbial “-ly” to form “parallelly.” This allows us to adhere to the established patterns of English grammar.

To further illustrate this point, let’s consider a few examples. Imagine a road trip where two friends are driving their cars side by side, each in their own lane. We could say, “They are driving parallelly.” Here, “driving” is the verb, and “parallelly” modifies it by indicating the manner in which they are driving – parallel to each other.

Now, let’s take a trip to the world of construction. Picture two colossal skyscrapers being erected simultaneously, rising higher and higher into the sky. We could say, “The buildings are being constructed parallelly.” Again, “being constructed” is the verb, and “parallelly” clarifies the manner in which the construction is happening – in parallel.

It’s worth noting that while “parallelly” is widely accepted and used, it may not be listed in some dictionaries. This could be because language evolves over time, and dictionaries may not always catch up with every linguistic innovation. Nevertheless, it is still widely recognized and understood by English speakers around the world, making it a suitable choice for those aiming to communicate effectively.

Now, you might argue, “But isn’t ‘parallely’ also a valid option?” Well, yes, it is a variant that emerged as people looked for an alternative. However, it is less commonly used and may be considered non-standard. Think of it like taking a detour on your linguistic journey, a less-traveled road that could lead to confusion or misunderstanding.

In conclusion, “parallelly” emerges as the clear winner in this debate. Its adherence to established patterns of English grammar makes it the more widely accepted and used option. So, the next time you want to express that something is happening in parallel to something else, feel confident in using “parallelly.” Remember, language is a living entity, and as long as it remains clear and understandable, even creative variations can find their place. Keep exploring, keep learning, and enjoy the fascinating world of English grammar!