diff --git a/artiq/compiler/builtins.py b/artiq/compiler/builtins.py
index 99065d39b..57d506b78 100644
--- a/artiq/compiler/builtins.py
+++ b/artiq/compiler/builtins.py
@@ -144,11 +144,11 @@ def fn_print():
 def fn_kernel():
     return types.TBuiltinFunction("kernel")
 
-def fn_parallel():
-    return types.TBuiltinFunction("parallel")
+def obj_parallel():
+    return types.TBuiltin("parallel")
 
-def fn_sequential():
-    return types.TBuiltinFunction("sequential")
+def obj_sequential():
+    return types.TBuiltin("sequential")
 
 def fn_now():
     return types.TBuiltinFunction("now")
diff --git a/artiq/compiler/prelude.py b/artiq/compiler/prelude.py
index 26870cb52..34ecd9695 100644
--- a/artiq/compiler/prelude.py
+++ b/artiq/compiler/prelude.py
@@ -29,8 +29,8 @@ def globals():
         "kernel":               builtins.fn_kernel(),
 
         # ARTIQ context managers
-        "parallel":             builtins.fn_parallel(),
-        "sequential":           builtins.fn_sequential(),
+        "parallel":             builtins.obj_parallel(),
+        "sequential":           builtins.obj_sequential(),
 
         # ARTIQ time management functions
         "now":                  builtins.fn_now(),