Parallel structure is repetition of the same pattern of words or phrases within a sentence or passage to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Parallel structure helps to organize ideas, making a text or speech easier to understand. Parallel structure can also create a satisfying rhythm in the language an author uses. Repeat the same pattern of words at key points in the text. Use parallel structure to organize ideas within a sentence, as in Example 1, or within a longer passage, as in Example 2.
Correct: At this new job, expect to work with emerging technology, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with talented professionals. The use of a correlative conjunction not only … but also, either …. If a verb follows the first correlative conjunction, then a verb should follow the second conjunction in the set.
Consider the alternative ways you can construct sentences around each pair of words to maintain parallel structure:. Using verbs : Whether you write or edit for the school paper, you have a very important free press responsibility to tell the truth. Using nouns : Amber is as friendly a person as she is an informed and aware scholar. Using adjective phrases : There are many aspects to SEO, from the words on your page to the way other sites link to you on the web.
Incorrect: When deciding whether to travel by car or plane, travelers must consider not only the cost but also know how far the destination is. Correct: When deciding whether to travel by car or plane, travelers must consider not only the cost but also the distance.
Incorrect: Many college students must balance not only part-time jobs but also taking full-time course loads. Correct: Many college students must balance not only part-time jobs but also full-time course loads. Incorrect: To make new friends, Jessie thought running on the track team was better than membership in the chess club. Correct: To make new friends, Jessie thought running on the track team was better than joining the chess club.
Incorrect: You can either pay the service fee now, or the bill can be paid later. Correct: The service fee can be paid now , or the bill can be paid later. Incorrect : Please place the football on the counter or you can put it in the shed. Correct : Please place the football on the counter or in the shed. Correct : My parents did not approve of what I did nor what I said.
Incorrect: Arts and crafts projects encourage kids to be creative, to be patient, and allows them to feel a sense of accomplishment.
Correct: Arts and crafts projects encourage kids to be creative, to be patient, and to appreciate a job well done. Correct: Arts and crafts projects encourage kids to be creative, to be patient, and to accomplish tasks that can boost their self-esteem. Correct: Arts and crafts projects encourage kids to be creative, to be patient, and to take pride in their work.
Incorrect: To complete this ceiling fan installation, you will need a screwdriver, wrench, a pair of pliers, two standard light bulbs, electrical tape, and patience. Correct: To complete this ceiling fan installation, you will need a screwdriver, a wrench, a pair of pliers, two standard light bulbs, electrical tape, and patience. Use parallel construction when items in a series have an equal level of importance.
These items are usually joined by commas or semicolons along with and or or. On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with other adjectives, and so on.
When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an infinitive a verb beginning with to with a gerund a verb form ending in -ing breaks parallel structure. The participants in the workshop learned about communicating , negotiating , and working collaboratively for the most effective outcome. Parallel phrases Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure.
As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not mix phrases based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs. The report card stated that the student often talked in class , bullied other students , and rarely finished his homework. Lists after a colon A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.
Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several key causes: deregulation policies , high interest rates , low manufacturing orders , and asset bubbles. Parallel construction in pairs Use parallel construction when a sentence contains a pair of connected ideas.
Pairs can be connected by coordinating conjunctions, which include and , nor , but , or and yet. She planned to collect data through either online surveys or phone interviews. Use parallel structure when a pair of ideas are linked by a correlative conjunction, such as not only … but also , either…or , and neither…nor. The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such as over , than or as. He prefers hosting movie nights at home over going to loud house parties.
Outlines and headings Headings that divide a paper into sections should be parallel. Likewise, parallel structure should be applied to elements in paper outlines. Have a language expert improve your writing.
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