Download Parallel Structure

Parallel
Structure
What is Parallel Structure?
• Parallel structure means two or more items in
a sentence have the same grammatical form
because they have the same function. Parallel
structure creates balance and makes our ideas
clearer. It’s also called parallelism. It’s a
practice we use not only in writing, but also in
speaking.
Application of Parallel Structure:
• For a list of actions or items, you must maintain parallel
structure. To do this, use equal grammatical units. If the first
item is a noun, then the following items must also be nouns; if
the first item is a verb, then make the other items verbs as
well.
• Nouns
-Jack eats fish and chicken.
-Sarah writes poetry and short stories.
• Verbs
-Our neighbors have moved and have sold their house.
-My sister walks or rides her bike to work.
Not only ... but also, either ... or, and neither ... nor all require special attention when you are
proofreading for parallelism.
These correlative conjunctions require equal grammatical units after both parts of the
conjunction. You can have two main clauses like this:
Not only did Jerome buy flowers for his mother, but he also purchased a bouquet for Yolanda,
his wife.
For a shorter sentence, use two prepositional phrases:
Jerome bought flowers not only for his mother but also for Yolanda, his wife.
Or you can have two nouns as this version does:
Jerome bought flowers for not only his mother but also Yolanda, his wife.
•
The new coach is a smart strategist, an effective manager, and works hard.
Write correctly below:
Correct-The new coach is a smart strategist, an effective manager, and a hard worker
Why? Notice that "a smart strategist" and "an effective manager" are consistent with
one another, but not consistent with "works hard."
• Cooking is always fun for me, but to sing not at all.
Write correctly below:
Correct- Cooking is always fun for me, but singing not at all.
• My best friend took me dancing and to a show.
Write correctly below:
Correct: My best friend took me to a dance and a show.
• I would rather pay for my education than financial aid.
Write correctly below:
Correct: I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid
Why? Note that it is “than” and not “then.”
• My dog likes not only to play fetch, but also to chase cars.
Write correctly below:
Correct: TRICK QUESTION: IT IS ALREADY PARALLEL!
Have you been listening?
Now is your time to ASK
QUESTIONS!