What Is Parallel Structure in Writing?
powered by
LanguageTool
Parallel structure refers to words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence that are similar in grammatical form. Parallel structure improves readability, so it’s a good idea to include it in your writing.
Parallel structure in writing refers to using words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or identical in form, structure, or sound. Not only does it improve readability, but also shows that two or more ideas are equal in importance.
Parallel: I love singing, dancing, and painting.
Not parallel: I love singing, dancing, and to paint.
The human brain appreciates patterns. In fact, it craves it. That’s why including parallel structures in your writing significantly enhances your text. You may be wondering what exactly is a parallel structure, and how can you include it in your writing? Below, we’ll provide answers and examples.
What Is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure—also known as parallelism or parallel construction—refers to a balance (or pattern) within elements of a sentence, like part of speech and verb tense. In other words, when writing a sentence, particularly one with some sort of list, the words, phrases, or clauses should be similar to one another. Parallel structures make your sentence easier to read, and also shows that every listed word or idea is equally important.
When writing parallel structures, the rule of thumb is that nouns should be listed with other nouns, verbs with other verbs, and so on and so forth. Let’s review the following example:
We were instructed to enter the exam room swiftly, quietly, and in a careful manner.
The sentence above is not parallel because the phrase “in a careful manner” is preceded by two adverbs. To make it parallel, you would just have to convert the last element of the list into an adverb.
We were instructed to enter the room swiftly, quietly, and carefully.
Similarly, if a parallel construction begins with a clause, it must only include similar clauses.
My guidance counselor suggested that I should get some rest, that I should eat well, and to do some breathing exercises before the exam.
In the sentence above, “to do some breathing exercises” breaks the previously set pattern.
My guidance counselor suggested that I should get some rest, that I should eat well, and that I should do some breathing exercises before the exam.
My guidance counselor suggested that I get enough rest, eat well, and do some breathing exercises before the exam.
Additionally, if you start a parallel structure with an active voice, do not switch to the passive voice.
Lawrence asked if the students will attend the event, if they will have to buy tickets, and if transportation would be provided to the students.
Lawrence asked if the students will attend the event, if they will have to buy tickets, and if there will be any transportation.
Parallel structures are often used as a rhetorical device. It’s just one of the many writing hacks you can use to strengthen your text. Below you’ll find famous examples of sayings and proverbs that employ parallel structure:
Easy come, easy go.
No pain, no gain.
You win some, you lose some.
The patterns in these sayings are easy to detect. Take the last example; it wouldn’t roll off the tongue as easily if it read “you win some, sometimes you lose.”
Parallel Structure in Writing
Remember, when using parallel structures in writing, consistency is key. Once you start a list, stick to the same elements. This makes your text cohesive, and therefore easy to process and understand. Here’s one last example of parallel structure in writing:
LanguageTool is a text editor that corrects spelling mistakes, fixes grammatical errors, and suggests stylistic improvements.
Unleash the Professional Writer in You With LanguageTool
Go well beyond grammar and spell checking. Impress with clear, precise, and stylistically flawless writing instead.
Get started for free
We Value Your Feedback
We’ve made a mistake, forgotten about an important detail, or haven’t managed to get the point across? Let’s help each other to perfect our writing.
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Mr. Dwight Jaskolski
Score: 4.9/5
(22 votes)
Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction. Example Not Parallel: Ellen likes hiking, the rodeo, and to take afternoon naps.
What is parallel structure in writing?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as «and» or «or.»
What is a good example of parallelism?
In English grammar, parallelism (also called parallel structure or parallel construction) is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a sentence. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watching movies. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watch movies.
What are the rules for parallel structure?
The rule of parallel construction forbids the joining of a verb with a noun. This rule of parallel construction applies to all the correlative conjunctions. Make sure the structure joined with the first word mirrors the structure joined with the second word.
What is parallel structure in math?
Parallel structure with coordinate conjunctions
When you connect two or more clauses or phrases with a coordinate conjunction (for, and, but, or, yet, nor or so), you also use parallel structure. For example: Sue took John dancing and to the movies. – not parallel. Sue took John to a dance and the movies. —
20 related questions found
What is the difference between repetition and parallel structure?
Repetition is the reuse of words, phrases, ideas or themes in your speech. Parallelism—a related device—is the proximity of two or more phrases with identical or similar constructions, especially those expressing the same sentiment, but with slight modifications.
What is an example of parallel structure?
Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction. Example Not Parallel: Ellen likes hiking, the rodeo, and to take afternoon naps.
What is the #1 rule of parallelism?
1. Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions. Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of being.
How do you fix a parallel structure?
Correct parallel structure allows for essays and paragraphs to flow more smoothly for the reader. To fix an error in parallel structure, the writer must put all the words or phrases in a series in the same form.
What 2 elements must be the same to have parallel structure?
Usage — Parallel Structure
Sentence elements that are alike in function should also be alike in construction. These elements should be in the same grammatical form so that they are parallel. 1) economy 2) clarity 3) equality 4) delight. Here are five parallelism rules.
What is parallelism example?
Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have the same grammatical structure. … The following well-known adage is an example of parallelism: «Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.
Where is parallelism used?
Parallelism in rhetoric is used to persuade, motivate, and/or evoke emotional responses in an audience and is often used in speeches. The balance between clauses or phrases makes complex thoughts easier to process while holding the reader’s or listener’s attention.
What are the types of parallelism?
Parallelism is a device which expresses several ideas in a series of similar structures . There are different types of parallelism : lexical, syntactic , semantic, synthetic , binary, antithetical . Parallelism works on different levels: 1.
Is parallel structure good or bad?
Overall, parallel structure guarantees uniformity and consistency throughout a piece of writing, to ensure its clarity and accuracy. And by making each compared item or idea in a phrase or clause follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.
What is a parallel word?
Parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. … Writers use parallel structure to add clarity to their writing, make it easier to understand and show that their writing is structurally and grammatically correct.
How is parallelism used in writing?
Parallelism is the repetition of similar grammatical forms. … The repetition of I followed by a verb makes this an example of parallel structure. Parallelism helps make an idea or argument clear and easy to remember. It also shows that each repeated structure is of equal importance.
What’s the problem with parallel structure?
Problems with parallel structure usually occur after coordinating conjunction such as «or» or «and.» Most are a result of mixing gerunds and infinitive phrases or mixing active and passive voice.
What is a faulty parallel structure examples?
Faulty parallelism occurs when items in a series do not have the same grammatical structure. Below are examples of sentences with faulty parallelism, followed by their corrections: Faulty: I like to spend my winter holiday skating, skiing, and I enjoy snowboarding as well.
How do you determine parallel structure?
A simple way to check for parallelism in your writing is to make sure you have paired nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, and so on. Underline each element in a sentence and check that the corresponding element uses the same grammatical form.
How do you teach parallelism?
Parallel Structure Lesson
- Recognize faulty parallels in their writing.
- Balance parallel items in a series using conjunctions.
- Create parallel structure between phrases and clauses.
- Use parallelism to create coherence and balance in writing.
- Use the principles of parallel structure to organize an essay and develop a thesis.
How do you observe parallelism?
5 golden rules in PARALLELISM – Grammar
- Figure out what parts of the sentence are being compared.
- Decide whether they are parallel, i.e. arranged in the same way.
- If they are not, make them parallel by making the grammatical construction the same in each part.
How can you avoid parallelism in a sentence?
To avoid faulty parallelism, the sentence above should be corrected to: Correct: I like jogging and walking. Words, phrases, and clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) need to have parallel grammatical construction.
How do you write a parallel structure sentence?
In a parallel structure, multiple information is usually connected by coordinating conjunctions. A parallel structure can be constructed in word, phrase or clause level in different sentences. Example: Not Parallel: Ryan likes swimming (noun), hiking (noun), and to ride a motorcycle (phrase).
Are lines parallel?
Parallel lines are lines in a plane that are always the same distance apart. Parallel lines never intersect. Perpendicular lines are lines that intersect at a right (90 degrees) angle.
What does grammatically parallel mean?
In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process.
Welcome to the Purdue OWL
This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.
Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.
Summary:
This handout describes and provides examples of parallel structure (similar patterns of words).
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as «and» or «or.»
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases:
Parallel:
Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use «to» before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Example 3
Not Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.
Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
— or —
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that he would have time to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)
Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that he would have time to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.
Lists After a Colon
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel:
The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
Proofreading Strategies to Try:
- Skim your paper, pausing at the words «and» and «or.» Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
- If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
- Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of «-ing» words beginning each item? Or do you hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.
Parallel Structure: Parallel structures are also called parallelism, is the repetition of a chosen grammatical pattern within a sentence. If each compared item or idea follows the same grammatical pattern, it is said to be a construction of a parallel structure. The elements of the sentence will be in the same grammatical Structure. Not only the phrases and the words but also the verbs have to stay similar.
Parallel structure exercise help paragraphs and letters to flow more for readers. In a parallel structure, the phrases or the words of a sentence start and end similarly, maintaining the rhythm of the lines. Some parallel structure examples in literature are the first paragraph of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Tale of Two Cities”.
In this blog, we will make an effort to discuss about the details of parallel Structure in English. Usually, two parallel sentences are adjoined by conjunctions such as or, and. Therefore, learning about parallel structures not only will improve ones’ English skills but will also help one in their writing works.
- What is Parallel Structure?
- Difference between Mixed Construction and Parallel Structure
- Important rules of parallel Structure
- The role of parallel Structure in writings
- The takeaway from this article
What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel Structure means having the same pattern of words to emphasize that both the sentences or phrases or words are of the same importance. Not only in Structure, but they should also be the same intensity. Parallel Structure is used to make writing easier to understand, add clarity to their works, and make their writing grammatically and structurally correct.
Difference between Mixed Construction and Parallel Structure
A mixed construction is a sentence with elements that transform from one type of Structure to another type; in this type of sentence, the writer shifts from writing about one idea or element to another, abruptly leading to confusion. For example, a logical sentence has a subject and a predicate. When the subject is introduced in a sentence, there is an expectation about the grammatical direction, and when that expectation doesn’t meet, it leads to a mixed construction.
Example: Teaching a noble profession involves a lot of patience. A mixed construction is just a fancy way of saying that the sentence does not make any sense. At the basic level in a mixed construction, the sentence’s subject does not match with the predicate.
The only major difference between mixed construction and parallel Structure is that in the latter, the elements of the sentence has to remain the same, including the verb tense. On the other hand, in a mixed construction, the sentence begins with a certain structure and ends with another one. As a result, the subject and the sentence’s predicate do not match, which is the polar opposite of a parallel sentence.
Important Rules of Parallel Structure
There are as many as five important rules of parallel Structure. They are :
Parallel Structure with Coordinating Conjunctions
Parallel Structure is used when two clauses are connected with a coordinating conjunction such as for, and, nor, but, so, in a sentence.
Example: Neither will he be singing a song, nor will he dance.
Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions
Parallel Structure is also used when two clauses are connected with correlative conjunction such as either-or, neither nor in a sentence.
Example: Either he likes her, or he doesn’t want to see her.
Parallel Structure with Infinitives
Parallel Structure is also used along with infinitives.
Example: He likes to dance, and he likes to sing songs.
Parallel Structure with -ing Endings
you can also use parallel Structure with words ending with ing. The writer has to keep the verb of the sentence consistent.
Example: Tobi likes running, dancing and being active.
Parallel Structure with Clauses
Parallel Structure is used when writing clauses.
Example: My brother said to get a good education and do not settle for less.
Parallel Structure in Lists with Colons
When there are many items in a list form following a colon, all the items on that list should be in the same order to avoid any parallel structure error.
Example: In his bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet and a desk.
Parallel Structure in other Lists
If the items are not introduced in a list form, still they have to be in a similar pattern for the construction of a parallel structure.
Example: Harry wanted to make sure that he made his presentation effectively, creatively and persuasively.
Parallel Structure in Verb Tense
When it comes to verb tenses, you should use the parallel Structure. In a parallel structure construction, one should be very careful that the verb tense always matches.
Example: Yesterday they watched a movie, played video games and made pasta.
The Importance of parallel structure is that the parallel structure provides a flow to one’s writing. It helps them to show ideas of equal importance. It also helps in keeping balance in one’s writings and makes it easier for the readers. Any error in the construction of a parallel structure will make the writings sound strange.
It is usually very difficult for anyone to point out the mistakes in constructing a parallel structure in order to test one’s writing abilities as well as to rectify their parallel structural errors in many tests. One of those many tests is SAT. Lack of use of parallel Structure can lead to disrupt the rhythm of the writing and leave the sentence grammatically incorrect.
The role of Parallel Structure in writing
A proper parallel structure helps in establishing the balance and maintaining the flow in a constructed sentence. In addition, the clarity brought in by parallel structures helps in the alignment of relatable ideas and readability.
How to Use Parallel Structure
When poets use similar words or phrases across sentences or several lines of poetry, it is said to be parallel sentence structure. This brings a rhythm to their writings. Simple parallel sentence structures are as simple and short as words and phrases. Complex parallel sentence structures may combine entire clauses or sentences. Parallelism is used to highlight the different aspects of a story or a poem in different ways.
Simple Parallel Sentence Structure
In these words, prepositional phrases and infinitive phrases are combined. Simple structure sentences can be divided by using come, semicolon or also with the use of conjunctions, like and, or, but. The lines “From laden boughs, from hands, / sweet fellowship in the bins/ comes nectar at the roadside” from the poem ‘From Blossom’ by Li-Young Lee is a classic example of prepositional phrases in parallel Structure. This brings a flow and rhythm to the poem.
Complex Parallel Sentence Structure
This is used to join lengthier clauses or groups of words to join. Complex parallel sentence structure helps writers compare, emphasize or contrast different aspects of their poems or stories. For example, in the poem ‘Annabel Lee’ by Edgar Allen Poe “, I was a child, and she was a child, then In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love- / With a love that the winged seraphs of Heaven / Coveted her and me”.
Here, the poet uses parallel sentence structure with the lines “I was a child” and “she was a child” to emphasize that the lovers were young. In addition, repeating the phrase “with a love” emphasizes the depth of the love mentioned in the lines of the poem.
Faulty Parallelism
This refers to the construction of a sentence structure that is not quite parallel. Rather than grammar, the problem here lies more with the styling of the sentence. For example, a sentence such as “He likes to eat, cook food and play video games” is grammatically correct, but it’s not a parallel sentence structurally. In order to make it a parallel structure, the sentence would look like “He likes eating, cooking food and playing video games”.
The other literary devices used with Parallel Structures
Parallelism in literature always comes up with other literary devices such as rhythm, repetition, alliteration, etc.
Rhythm: The repeated elements are always of the same rhythm or meter. The same stressed syllables are in a pattern in the parallel elements of the sentence or piece. Parallel structures are used by poets to maintain the balance and rhythm of their poem.
Repetition: The root of parallelism is repetition. The phrase structure or the impact of an idea is made stronger by repetition.
Antithesis: Parallelism is often used to contrast two different ideas within the same Structure.
Alliteration: Having the same sound for the list of objects or similar phrases further enhances the parallelism of their writing.
The takeaway from this article
This will be helpful for many students to improve their writing skills. The proper use of parallel structure provides clarity, rhythm, and balance in the writings, be it a poem, essay, or story. In addition, students will find it useful for understanding the meaning of poems and the plots of stories as well as help them in identifying other literary devices such as the alliteration, rhythm, antithesis and others.
In English grammar, parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Another word for parallel structure is parallelism.
By convention, items in a series appear in parallel grammatical form: a noun is listed with other nouns, an -ing form with other -ing forms, and so on. «The use of parallel structures,» says Ann Raimes in Keys for Writers, «helps produce cohesion and coherence in a text.» In traditional grammar, the failure to express such items in similar grammatical form is called faulty parallelism.
Examples of Parallel Structure
Parallel structure can be observed in many forms of writing. Proverbs, for example, provide a simple way to grasp the concept of parallel structure.
— Easy come, easy go.
— No pain, no gain.
— Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
— One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
— A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Quotes by authors and famous historical figures also illustrate the use of parallel structure.
«Never hurry and never worry!»
(Charlotte’s advice to Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, 1952)
«It is by logic we prove, but by intuition we discover.»
(Leonardo da Vinci)
«We spend our youth attempting to change the future, and the rest of our lives trying to preserve the past.»
(Arthur Bryant in Seventy-Seven Clocks by Christopher Fowler. Bantam, 2005)
«Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been playful, rebellious, and immature.»
(Tom Robbins, Still Life with Woodpecker, 1980)
«When success happens to an English writer, he acquires a new typewriter. When success happens to an American writer, he acquires a new life.»
(Martin Amis, «Kurt Vonnegut: After the Slaughterhouse.» The Moronic Inferno. Jonathan Cape, 1986)
«A good ad should be like a good sermon; it must not only comfort the afflicted—it also must afflict the comfortable.»
(Bernice Fitz-Gibbon, Macy’s, Gimbels, and Me: How to Earn $90,000 a Year in Retail Advertising. Simon and Schuster, 1967)
«If you are idle, be not solitary; if you are solitary, be not idle.»
(Samuel Johnson, quoted by James Boswell in The Life of Samuel Johnson, 1791)
«Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.»
(Francis Bacon, «Of Studies,» 1625)
«Those who write clearly have readers; those who write obscurely have commentators.»
(Attributed to Albert Camus)
«I had been short, and now I was tall. I had been skinny and quiet and religious, and now I was good-looking and muscular. It was Sally Baldwin who brought me along, told me what to wear and do and think and say. She was never wrong; she never lost her patience. She created me, and when she was done we broke up in a formal sense, but she kept calling me.»
(Jane Smiley, Good Faith. Alfred A. Knopf, 2003)
«The wheels wheeled, the chairs spun, the cotton candy tinted the faces of children, the bright leaves tinted the woods and hills. A cluster of amplifiers spread the theme of love over everything and everybody; the mild breeze spread the dust over everything and everybody. Next morning, in the Lafayette Hotel in Portland, I went down to breakfast and found May Craig looking solemn at one of the tables and Mr. Murray, the auctioneer, looking cheerful at another.»
(E.B. White, «Goodbye to Forty-Eighth Street.» Essays of E.B. White. Harper, 1977)
Guidelines for Creating Parallel Structure
To create parallel structure, keep in mind that adjectives should be paralleled by adjectives, nouns by nouns, dependent clauses by dependent clauses, and so on.
INCORRECT: Your new training program was stimulating and a challenge. (Adjective and noun, stimulating and challenge)
CORRECT: Your new training program was stimulating and challenging. (Two adjectives, stimulating and challenging)
Parallelism is especially important in displayed enumerations.
POOR: This article will discuss:
1. How to deal with corporate politics.
2. Coping with stressful situations.
3. What the role of the manager should be in the community.
BETTER: This article will discuss:
1. Ways to deal with corporate politics.
2. Techniques of coping with stressful situations.
3. The role of the manager in the community.
OR: This article will tell managers how to:
1. Deal with corporate politics.
2. Cope with stressful situations.
3. Function in the community.
(William A. Sabin, The Gregg Reference Manual, 10th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2005)
«When you write a sentence with a series of clauses, make sure that they start and end the same way. If you don’t, you destroy the rhythm you’ve tried to establish. More important, if you use parallel structures your readers will have a more enjoyable time absorbing and understanding your facts, ideas, and concepts.»
(Robert M. Knight, A Journalistic Approach to Good Writing. Wiley, 2003)