Download Parallel Structure

Using parallelism for listing items
and showing comparison
 When presenting a list after a colon, it is important the
items in the list are written in the same grammatical
structure.
 For example, if the items listed are nouns, then it is
incorrect to have an adjective in the list.
 Not parallel
 Abuse victims commonly exhibit one or more of the following
symptoms: withdrawal, rebelliousness, restlessness, and they are
depressed.
 Parallel
 Abuse victims commonly exhibit one or more of the following
symptoms: withdrawal, rebelliousness, restlessness, and
depression.
 When presenting a series of ideas or phrases, then the
items must maintain the same grammatical
consistency.
 For example, if all verbs listed are gerunds, then it is
incorrect to have an infinitive verb in the list.
 Not parallel
 I love to swim, running, and hiking when the weather is nice.
 Parallel
 I love swimming, running, and hiking when the weather is
nice.
 When using “than” or “as,” the elements being compared must
be presented in parallel grammatical structure
 Not Parallel
 It is easier to ride a bicycle for six miles than running for three
miles.
 Parallel
 It is easier to ride a bicycle for six miles than to run for three miles.
 Not Parallel
 Failing at a task and learning from it is just as rewarding as to
succeed for the first time.
 Parallel
 Failing at a task and learning from it is just as rewarding as
succeeding for the first time.