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Learn about parallel structure and how it improves the clarity of your writing. Explore examples and tips for creating grammatically parallel sentences and lists.
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Parallel Structure/Parallelism • Parallelism refers to matching grammatical structures in sentences. Elements in a sentence that have the same function or express similar ideas should be grammatically parallel, or grammatically matched. • Parallelism is used effectively as a rhetorical device throughout literature and in speeches, advertising copy, and popular songs.
Parallelism in Writing • Good parallel structure improves the clarity of your writing • To make your writing parallel, use the same grammatical form for all items in a list • Lists can be any of these things: • Parts of a sentence • Headings in a report • Items in a resume • Bulleted lists
Importance of Parallelism • When you write a thesis statement, often you have to summarize three reasons in parallel form. • Example: Tobacco should be outlawed because it endangerseveryone’s health, pollutesthe environment, and drains us of valuable energy.
Parallelism in Sentences • Poor: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny. • Improved: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny humour. • Poor: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts, and revision. • Improved: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write drafts, and revise work.
Parallelism in Lists • Poor: I left my job for several reasons: • The pay was poor • Long hours • I found the work tedious • Equipment was dangerous • Improved: I left my job for several reasons: • Poor pay • Long hours • Tedious work • Dangerous equipment
Examples of Parallelism • Winston Churchill did not say • I have nothing to offer but bleeding, toil, tears, and sweating. • He said • I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. • Churchill understood parallelism!
Parallelism = balance • Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.—Joseph Addison • Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sinith in the seat of the scornful.—The Book of Psalms 1:1 • Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.—John F. Kennedy
Not Parallel The housekeeper looked inside the drawers, the bookcase, and under the recliner. Parallel The housekeeper looked inside the drawers, on top of the bookcase, and under the recliner.
Not Parallel These boys could name the types of trees, flowers, and some kinds of birds in the forest. Parallel These boys could name the types of trees, flowers, and birds in the forest.
Not Parallel The man was lonely, old, and a miser. Parallel The man was lonely, old, and miserly.
Not Parallel The model learned to speak well, walking with poise, and that she must apply makeup correctly. Parallel The model learned to speak well, to walk with poise, and to apply makeup.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and began the lesson. B. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and he began the lesson. C. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and decided to begin the lesson. D. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and beginning the lesson.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and began the lesson. B. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and he began the lesson. C. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and decided to begin the lesson. D. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and beginning the lesson.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. Her choices were one, to begin college, or two, to find a job. B. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, be an employee. C. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, that she find a job. D. Her choices were one, beginning college, or two, find a job.
Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. Her choices were one, to begin college, or two, to find a job. B. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, be an employee. C. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, that she find a job. D. Her choices were one, beginning college, or two, find a job.
Quiz Time! Please take out a sheet of paper. For each sentence, you will rewrite it with parallel structure. If it’s already parallel, write “no change.”
Remember… Correct only the sentences that are not parallel. • The factory workers were ready, able, and were quite determined to do a great job. • The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. • We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life.
The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and to talk with fans. • The requirements for a chemistry degree are not as strict as a medical degree. • Either you can join the army or the navy.
The reorganization of the company is neither simple nor it will be cheap. • When I was in high school, I learned piano and how to play the guitar. • Fred supports the idea because, first, its simplicity; second, it is unique. • They are either our friends or they are not.
11. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. He came, he saw, and he received. B. He came, he wanted to see, but he didn’t. C. He came; he started to ask; he didn’t want to. D. He saw, didn’t come or receive.
12. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The children laughed, jumped, and danced. B. The children were laughing, jumped, and some were dancing. C. The children were laughing and jumping; some even danced. D. The children laughed, dancing, and jumping.
13. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. You are not only a student but also very athletic. B. You are not only a student but also being very athletic. C. You are not only a student but also an athlete. D. You are not only a student but also have athletic ability.
14. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Ron was an expert tennis player and _____. A. went fishing B. fished C. liked to go fishing D. an avid fisherman
15. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Don would always open the mail, throw away the junk mail, and _____. A. to organize the bills. B. organizing the bills C. organize the bills D. organization of the bills
16. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Rebecca was not only my boss but also ______. A. is my friend B. says she is my friend C. friendly D. my friend
