Download AH5

Parallelism in Writing Sentences
Parallelism takes place when two similar phrases are joined to make just one sentence.
For example:
Tom plays the piano.
Tom plays the violin.
Parallelism = Tom plays the piano and the violin.
If I have two parallel verb structures the tenses must be the same. For example:
Peter works hard and plays hard.
NOT Peter works hard and play hard.
Both of these examples are single word parallel structures. Here is an overview of single
word parallel structures:
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.
Adjectives
The class is not only fun but also helpful.
She is not only strong but also fast.
Adverbs
Peter drives quickly and aggressively.
They work carefully and effectively.
Parallelism can also take place with phrases. This type of parallel structure can be more
difficult to recognize as the sentences are more complex. Here are some examples:
Having fun is as important as working hard.
She advised me to get some sleep and take some time off work.
Here are phrase parallel structures. Each type of structure includes a note about important
points / problems to take into consideration.
Noun Phrases
Work is as necessary as play.
Apples are as good for you as oranges.
NOTE: Noun phrases are either singular or plural in nature and impersonal (it or they).
Verb Phrases
As soon as I arrive home, I put on my shoes and go for a run.
Before she leaves for work,
she usually eats breakfast and has a cup of coffee.
Gerund Phrases
He enjoys playing tennis and working out.
They don't mind waiting and talking while you get ready.
NOTE: Make sure not to mix the infinitive (to do) and the gerund (doing) in parallel
structures!
Infinitive Phrases
Jackson hopes to visit his parents and see his old friends when he goes home.
She advised me to find some new friends and forget about the event.
NOTE: Make sure not to mix the infinitive (to do) and the gerund (doing) in parallel
structures!
What is “parallelism” in writing?
Parallelism definition: The use of identical or equivalent syntactic
constructions in corresponding clauses or phrases.
 Faulty parallelism is the result of mixing up tactics when composing a
sentence.
 Parallelism can relate to just about anything: nouns, verbs, pronouns,
adjectives, adverbs, articles, and prepositions (as in the following
example).
Not parallel: They rode to the market, the post office, and to the library.
Parallel: They rode to the market, the post office, and the library.
Parallel: They rode to the market, to the post office, and to the library.
If a sentence contains elements related in purpose or structure, be sure these
elements are presented in the same grammatical form.
Not parallel: I enjoy long walks on the beach, eating gourmet food, and to
stargaze on a clear night.
Parallel:
Some more examples:
When I was a teenager, I was a cook at a fast-food restaurant, delivered
newspapers, and then I worked as a valet.
BETTER:
She is a teacher who is dedicated and, at the same time, finding her students
tedious.
BETTER:
The new budget calls for lower salaries, marketing funds, and shorter hours.
BETTER:
The politician has the charisma, the charm, and has the contacts to run
successfully.
BETTER:
Susan is interested but not very good at foreign languages.
BETTER:
At my favorite restaurant, the lunch menu is good but the drinks expensive.
BETTER:
She traced his face in the photograph slowly and with love.
BETTER: