Parallel Structure

1. Parallel Structure When combining several ideas into one sentence, balance must be created in a sentence. This means that a noun must be balanced with a noun, a phrase with a phrase, a clause with a clause, etc. Not parallel: I am not much of an athlete, but I like softball, soccer, and playing hockey. Parallel: I am not much of an athlete, but I like softball, soccer, and hockey.

2. Parallel Structure Not parallel: Dominic does not have enough time to play soccer, join the debating team, and band. Parallel: Dominic does not have enough time to play soccer, join the debating team, and to participate in band. Not parallel: He said that he would meet you at the soccer field and not to be late. Parallel: He said that he would meet you at the soccer field and that you should not be late.

3. Parallel Structure Note: Some of the sentences may be correct. • Paris, the capital of France, is famous for its history, culture, and eating in excellent restaurants. • The Seine River runs through the city and supplies water to all Parisians. • Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, walking through the Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower are all favorite pastimes of tourists.

4. Parallel Structure • It is interesting that Paris has always attracted artists and refugees have always been welcome. • Many famous Americans, including Ernest Hemingway, lived and were writing in Paris during the 1920s.

5. Parallel Structure- Practice • Sports fans disagree about whether going to baseball games or to watch football is more fun, but few people can ignore the importance of sports in America. • Sports has always been a topic for friendly and not-so-friendly arguments. • Some sports fans argue endlessly and with anger about whether football or baseball is truly the American pastime.

6. Parallel Structure- Practice 4. Baseball fans may insist that baseball is the more important game because it requires skill, dexterity, and to be fast. • On the other hand, football fans may praise a quarterback’s speed, skill, and how agile he is. • I prefer basketball because of its swiftness, unpredictability, and how stunning the moves are.

7. Parallel Structure- Practice • It’s also a sport in which women are catching up to men in terms of respect, popularity, and being famous. • In basketball, moving quickly is as important as to aim accurately. • This weekend my family is going to see a basketball game and a restaurant. • Watching sports and to argue over the best one has become one of our favorite pastimes.