Parallel Structure

1. Parallel Structure

2. Any words or groups of words that you plug in have to be the same kinds of words or word patterns. • Pairs • running and jumping, bothered and bewildered, open or shut, laughing or crying • Series • broken, bedraggled, and bone-tired • an old shoe, a stuffed bear, and a chewed-up blanket

3. When you write your sentences using parallel structure, your ideas come across more clearly because they're easier to read. Compare the following sentences: • 1. Spot's toys were an old shoe, a bear that was stuffed, and she had chewed up an old blanket. • 2. Spot's toys were an old shoe, a stuffed bear, and a chewed-up blanket. • See how the second sentence is smoother and more balanced? If you try to balance your own sentences in this way, your writing will be more forceful.

4. a) She likes to listen to music and reading the latest novels. • b) She likes listening to music and reading the latest novels.

5. a) He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the convenience store, and jogging every afternoon. • b) He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the convenience store, and he jogged every afternoon.

6. a) The dog was excited: running, barking, and he chased after the boys. • b) The dog was excited: running, barking, and chasing after the boys.

7. a) The apartment was filled with old newspapers, broken bottles, and the ashtrays were overflowing. • b) The apartment was filled with old newspapers, broken bottles, and overflowing ashtrays.

8. a) Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality. • b) Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.

9. a) In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and to appreciate good prose. • b) In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.

10. Make the following sentences parallel. • Mary wanted to paint her office, to add some new draperies, and the carpet need cleaning. • When Friday rolls around, do you go to the mall, head for a bar, or are you going to work? • Last year, my brother dropped out of school, was looking for work, and needed a place to stay. • He watched the latest version of King Lear, studied for his math test, and was talking on the phone.