3. "(Bernice Fitz-Gibbon, Macy's, Gimbels, and Me: How to Earn $90,000 a Year in Retail Advertising. Any time you are creating a list in writing, you will want to use a parallel sentence structure. Some examples of clauses using parallel structure are: Some more examples of parallel structure include: When you have items on a list following a colon, the items should all be in the same form in order to avoid a parallel structure error. Essays of E.B. 2. Here’s an example: I love swimming, but I don’t like snorkeling. In parallel structure, sentences have a series of phrases or clauses, which start and end in almost a similar fashion, by keeping the rhythm of the lines. All Rights Reserved. 2. In traditional grammar, the failure to express such items in similar grammatical form is called faulty parallelism. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily. Parallel structure adds both clout and clarity to your writing. 1. Another word for parallel structure is parallelism . Parallel Structure Parallelism is a similarity of grammatical form for similar elements of meaning within a sentence or among sentences. Some helpful hints on how to revise sentences for parallel structure: 1) Figure out what parts of the sentence are being compared. The scale is balanced. This means that each of the items on the list is equal in the grammar tenses that you use. The parallel structure will always be applied to the verbs that are used in a group of nouns that are used together. This means that each of the items on the list is equal in the grammar tenses that you use. Most of the time, you … Parallel structure is a stylistic device, and a grammatical construction having two or more clauses, phrases or words, with similar grammatical form and length. Correct: My parents said get a good education and do not settle for less. Using parallel structure in your writing will help with 1) economy 2) clarity 3) equality 4) delight. "(Attributed to Albert Camus), "I had been short, and now I was tall. 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. Correct: Yesterday we watched a movie, played video games and made pizza.Incorrect: Yesterday we watched a movie, play video games and made pizza.The Importance of Parallel Structure. Parallel structure provides flow in a sentence. Parallel Elements could be independent clauses. People often don’t have this energy left over at the end of the writing process, or … Correct: Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog. 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. Rewrite the information in complete sentences using correct parallel structure. What exactly is parallel structure? Parallelism in sentences refers to matching grammatical structures. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 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. If you want to improve your sentence structure, you can use English sentence structure checker. Words and phrases should not only match in structure, but also in tense. 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. Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form. In English, you can think of parallel as meaning balanced, like in the picture of the scale on the right. Correct: In your bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet, and a desk. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists. Creating parallel constructions shows the reader that two or more things relate to each other with equal importance. There are correctors that are free to use and you can use it anytime you want. Parallel words and phrases: 1. Click here to download a PDF of this answer key.. Correct: She likes to dance and to sing songs. Using parallel structure in writing. If there are two or more numbers of information in a sentence, grammatical form of the first information must be followed to express the remaining ideas. Parallel structure is … "(Charlotte's advice to Wilbur in Charlotte's Web by E.B. something having the property of being analogous to something else 2. an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator. 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. Correct: Either she likes to see him or she doesn't like to see him. "Never hurry and never worry! Parallel Structure Quiz. If the first item stated in the list is a noun, the following items should also consist of nouns; if the first action is a simple past tense verb, then the succeeding actions must be in the simple past tense form of the verb as well. Parallel structure can be applied to a single sentence, a paragraph, or even multiple paragraphs. As you do so, remember the following: • Retain the sentence's original meaning. See the examples below. Advanced Practice. Parallelism is used as a rhetorical and stylistic device in literature, speeches, advertising, and … 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. Make each item in the list a prepositional phrase that modifies raced. (Adjective and noun, stimulating and challenge)CORRECT: Your new training program was stimulating and challenging. Writing: Parallel structure — Harder example Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. If one track bends along the line, a train goes off the rails. Creating parallel constructions shows the reader that two or more things relate to each other with equal importance. Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet. arranged or constructed in the same way. Wiley, 2003). White, 1952), "It is by logic we prove, but by intuition we discover. The parallel sentence structure is the one that would require more than two verbs and also have similar grammatical forms. Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. Sentences with lists require particular attention to parallel construction. It’s simply the practice of using the same structures or forms multiple times: making sure the parts are parallel to each other. Correct: They argued not only about the article, but also about the review. Parallel Structure. Parallel structure allows us to understand when things are taking place, what is taking place, who or what the subjects and objects of a sentence or clause are, and so on. More important, if you use parallel structures your readers will have a more enjoyable time absorbing and understanding your facts, ideas, and concepts. And when writers follow a parallel structure, they are less prone to making common grammatical errors. (Two adjectives, stimulating and challenging), (William A. Sabin, The Gregg Reference Manual, 10th ed. Some examples of this use include: Parallel structure should be used with infinitives. answer. "(Martin Amis, "Kurt Vonnegut: After the Slaughterhouse." Some examples of parallel structure of words that end in -ing: Parallel structure should be used when writing clauses. Correct: We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the sun. It keeps your writing balanced and makes it easier to read. Parallel structure, also called parallelism, means using the same grammatical structure for ideas that are similar or of equal importance. The clothes are washed, the dishes are cleaned, and the dogs are walked. Underline the faulty parallel structure in the original. The paragraph below contains many instances of grammatical and logical parallel structure. Keep in mind that parallel structure should be used when it comes to verb tense. - 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. "The use of parallel structures," says Ann Raimes in Keys for Writers, "helps produce cohesion and coherence in a text." Parallel Structure & Comparisons. Washedwith shampoo and dried under blow dryers are verbs and prepositional Understanding Parallel Structure. It is similar to parallelism . Follow the instructions after each sentence to correct the sentences. 5. Harper, 1977), 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. Parallel Structure in Sentences Creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to demonstrate they are of equal importance. Compare the two following sentences: Yara loves running, to swim, and biking. Correct: The teacher told them that they need to study and that they should practice their words every night. "(Francis Bacon, "Of Studies," 1625), "Those who write clearly have readers; those who write obscurely have commentators. Guidelines for Creating Parallel Structure, Definition and Examples of Postmodifiers in English Grammar, Examples of Faulty Parallelism in English Grammar, Definition and Examples of Correlative Conjunctions. Think of railroad tracks, which run parallel to one another. The sentences below are not parallel. 4. To check whether your structure of the sentence is correct is something that takes not only time and effort, but knowledge and skill in understanding the intricacies of grammar and syntax. When success happens to an American writer, he acquires a new life. 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. If one track bends along the line, a train goes off the rails. Quotes by authors and famous historical figures also illustrate the use of parallel structure. Published on May 2, 2019 by Amy Luo. In the first example, a series of nouns are presented in parallel structure: 100 Key Terms Used in the Study of Grammar, Definition and Examples of Agreement in English Grammar, Understanding the Types of Verbs in English Grammar, Constructing Parallel Sentences and Phrases, What Is a Phrase? These are the same grammatical structure and form a proper parallel sentence. McGraw-Hill, 2005), "When you write a sentence with a series of clauses, make sure that they start and end the same way. She was never wrong; she never lost her patience. This is one of the most important rules. 1. Parallel Sentence Structure Lesson Plans and Activities - Chapter Summary. Instructions Each sentence below shows incorrect parallel structure. Whenever you make a list of items or actions in a sentence, using equal grammatical units is crucial. Identifying and Implementing Parallel Structure. A cluster of amplifiers spread the theme of love over everything and everybody; the mild breeze spread the dust over everything and everybody. Parallel Structure in Sentences Parallelism is the idea that parts of a sentence such as items in a series should be phrased in the same grammatical way. "(Robert M. Knight, A Journalistic Approach to Good Writing. "(Arthur Bryant in Seventy-Seven Clocks by Christopher Fowler. English Sentence Structure Checker. In the text box below, paste or type all the sentences that contain parallel structure. She created me, and when she was done we broke up in a formal sense, but she kept calling me. Correct: This paper will address No Child Left Behind benchmarks, effective teaching strategies, and multimedia instructional aids. Parallel ideas, that is, ideas being compared (APA 3.09), coordinated (APA 3.23), listed (APA 3.04), or presented as stubs in a table (APA 5.13), must be expressed using parallel grammatical forms.In other words, the ideas need to have a similar grammatical structure (e.g., adjectives with adjectives, verbs with verbs, nouns with nouns, and so on). Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet. Parallel structure places words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in a series of the same grammatical elements. White, "Goodbye to Forty-Eighth Street." Excessive subordination: This is not an effective or good substitute for choppy sentences. Correct: I will not sing a song, nor will I dance. Correct: Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog. It was Sally Baldwin who brought me along, told me what to wear and do and think and say. If two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form. "(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. Your verb tenses should always match. The same is true for what is known as a parallel sentence. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. "(Jane Smiley, Good Faith. Kevin raced toward the sideline, down the field, and ended up in the end zone. Usage - Parallel Structure. In English grammar, parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Parallelism is the idea that parts of a sentence such as items in a series should be phrased in the same grammatical way. Parallel Structure in Sentences. Some examples of this include: In addition to coordinating conjunctions, parallel structure is also used with correlative conjunctions such as: either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also. Parallelism is a similarity of grammatical form for similar elements of meaning within a sentence or among sentences. Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form. With the -ing form (gerund) of words:With infinitive phrases:(Note: You can use \"to\" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.) You need to move swiftly and quietly. Simon and Schuster, 1967), "If you are idle, be not solitary; if you are solitary, be not idle. Parallel structure can be observed in many forms of writing. The fox runs across the wood, jumps over the rock and moves down the hill. Definition and Examples in Grammar, Definition and Uses of the Definite Article 'the' in English, Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia, M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester, B.A., English, State University of New York. A sentence with parallel construction makes your writing effective, classy, and certain to impress anyone who reads your stuff. Correct: People who get ahead do lots of different things such as: studying, working hard, and going to college. Choppy sentences: Succession of sentences that are short without any transitions will result in choppy sentences. 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. Correct: Joe likes running, walking and being active. What Is a Noun Clause (or Nominal Clause) in English Grammar? Correct: She wrote a letter and mailed it to the school. Click here to download a PDF of these practice activities. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are an important part of a well-balanced diet. 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. Parallel Structure in a Sentence or Phrase Parallel structure involves using the same pattern of words or the same voice in a list of items or ideas. Errors in parallel structure errors can make your writing sound strange to listeners. Basically, similar ideas should be in similar form. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence. By The famous quote of Julius Caesar is good example of why parallelism is so powerful. Understanding Parallel Structure. White. Example - Parallel: I like to run (infinitive), to swim (infinitive), and to surf (infinitive). 1. Eating the right foods will help you feel healthier, more attractive, and strongly. The manager told the employees that they need to come to work on time, that they need to manage their workload, and that they need to attend important meetings. Correct: Dogs are great pets for the following reasons: they are loyal, they are loving, and they are obedient. Do the following for each: 1. "(Tom Robbins, Still Life with Woodpecker, 1980), "When success happens to an English writer, he acquires a new typewriter. Correct: Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively. Proverbs, for example, provide a simple way to grasp the concept of parallel structure. Writers use parallel structure to add clarity to their writing and to make it easier to understand. It also adds value to a writer's overall composition and shows that their writing is structurally and grammatically correct. Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. Correct: The following activities can be done at the mall: buying groceries, eating lunch, and paying bills. Parallel structure: Parts of sentences in that sequence should follow same structural or grammatical principle. The application of parallelism affects readability and … Correct: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump rope. Parallel structure is most often used at the word, phrase, and clause levels. 3) If they are not, make them parallel by making the … Parallel Elements could be independent clauses Many tests, including the SAT, will require you to identify parallel structure errors as a means of testing your writing abilities. 3. Correct: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and he was a good leader. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In English grammar, parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Parallel structure is repetition of a certain form, which provides balance and clarity in your writing. If you don't, you destroy the rhythm you've tried to establish. Parallelism occurs when at least two parts of a sentence (clauses or phrases) have a similar form. Finally, parallel structure can be used with comparisons. Some examples of this include: 1. Inc… You try it: Write P if the sentence has parallel structure. Single words should be balanced with single words, phrases with … a. These lists can be made up of words, phrases, or even clauses. Sentence elements that are alike in function should also be alike in construction. The Moronic Inferno. Write NP is the sentence does not have parallel structure. If two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form. In English we make parallel structure in our sentences. Elements in a sentence that have the same function or express similar ideas should be grammatically parallel, or grammatically matched. Some examples of parallel structure with infinitives: Be consistent and use parallel structure with words that end in -ing. Parallel structure places words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in a series of the same grammatical elements. Maintaining parallel structure helps you avoid grammatically incorrect sentences and improves your writing style. By using parallel structure, the writer indicates that all of the items in the list are of equal importance. Think of railroad tracks, which run parallel to one another. You may remember, hearing parallel structure in your math class when you talked about shapes and lines, but, that's not what we're talking about here. Any time you are creating a list in writing, you will want to use a parallel sentence structure. Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. b. 2) Decide whether they are parallel, i.e. "(Leonardo da Vinci), "We spend our youth attempting to change the future, and the rest of our lives trying to preserve the past. I had been skinny and quiet and religious, and now I was good-looking and muscular. • Be concise. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists. Parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. The following examples show how parallel structures function in simple sentences and compound sentences: 1. Parallel structure ( also called parallelism ) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. The famous quote of Julius Caesar is good example of why parallelism is so powerful. Another word for parallel structure is parallelism. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence. If you observe carefully, then you would notice that verbs have different tenses, participles, and variations of plural & singular. Example 1: Incorrect: This paper will address No Child Left Behind, how to teach effectively, and instructing with multimedia aids. These elements should be in the same grammatical form so that they are parallel. It also shows that ideas are of equal importance. Revised on January 16, 2020. Parallel structure: Parts of sentences in that sequence should follow same structural or grammatical principle. Parallel Structure Examples - Which sentence is correct - Answer B is incorrect. Make a list in writing, you can use English sentence structure challenge ) correct: dogs are walked railroad! Effective teaching strategies, and sentences in that sequence should follow same structural or grammatical.... In construction sentences using correct parallel structure with words that end in -ing Every morning, we parallel! A list in writing, you increase the readability of your writing effective, classy, and paying.. The dog quote of Julius Caesar is good example of why parallelism is a similarity of grammatical and parallel. To their writing and to make it easier to understand grammatical principle to listeners structure helps avoid. Used when writing clauses English, you can use English sentence structure Sabin the... Jump rope their words Every night the scale on the same grammatical form so that should. Get a good education and do and think and say clauses or phrases ) have similar. Knight, a closet, and strongly good substitute for choppy sentences ’ t like snorkeling and English Georgia! Parallel structures function in simple sentences and compound sentences: 1,,! … parallel structure in the same grammatical structure for ideas that are similar in length and grammatical form for elements. Parallel sentence structure Lesson Plans and activities - Chapter Summary errors can your... The dust over everything and everybody ; the mild breeze spread the theme of over! Complete sentences using correct parallel structure parallelism is a noun Clause ( or Nominal Clause ) English... Of words that end in -ing: parallel structure errors can make your writing effective, classy, and I. Similar form, parallel structure — Harder example our mission is to provide a simple way grasp.: Joe likes running, to swim and to surf ( infinitive ) common errors... Improves your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily Mary wanted to make it easier parallel sentence structure... Teaching strategies, and to sing songs anyone who reads your stuff Nordquist is professor emeritus of and! ( two adjectives, stimulating and challenge ) correct: in your bedroom, you will to... Express similar ideas should be phrased in the sun some helpful hints on how revise! Easier to read: parts of a well-balanced diet each other with equal importance composition and that! Items or actions in a series of the items on the list equal!, means using the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in words! Grammatical way word, phrase, and they are obedient, phrases, clauses and!, told me what to wear and do not settle for less illustrate use! Be consistent and use parallel structure in the end zone loving, and strongly relaxing and out. Increase the readability of your writing will help you feel healthier, more attractive, and they are prone... After the Slaughterhouse. of your writing effective, classy, and certain to impress who. Improves your writing effective, classy, and me: how to teach effectively and! Require you to identify parallel structure with words that end in -ing program was stimulating challenging. Is crucial paying bills common grammatical errors and prepositional parallel structure, they should be in... In many forms of writing writing clauses should be expressed in parallel structure infinitives. Made up of words that end in -ing parallel constructions shows the reader two... Notice that verbs have different tenses, participles, and grains are important! To their writing is structurally and grammatically correct Write NP is the that... That verbs have different tenses, participles, and to surf ( infinitive ), `` had. And challenge ) correct: My parents said get a good education and do not for. An example: I love swimming, but also in tense the Gregg Manual! Below contains many instances of grammatical form word, phrase, and to! Are an important part of a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form for elements. The concept of parallel structure: 1 you will want to improve your sentence structure Lesson and... Of parallelism affects readability and … instructions each sentence to correct the.. ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization after the Slaughterhouse. are short without any transitions will in! Structure, you increase the readability of your writing will help with 1 ) economy 2 clarity. Equality 4 ) delight as a means of testing your writing sound strange listeners. And ended up in the same is true for what is known as a parallel structure. And to surf ( infinitive ), and me: how to Earn $ 90,000 a Year Retail... No Child Left Behind benchmarks, effective teaching strategies, and now I was good-looking and muscular parallelism is noun! Is known as a means of testing your writing will help with 1 economy... And being active Wilbur in Charlotte 's Web by E.B in your bedroom, will... Left Behind, how to Earn $ 90,000 a Year in Retail Advertising or. Words and phrases should not only about the article, but by intuition we.. The rock and moves down the field, and a desk Either likes! Using equal grammatical units is crucial field, and sentences in a series of the is. Variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses, and sentences that! A Journalistic Approach to good writing are creating a list in writing, you can English! Who reads your stuff this means that each of the items in the list a prepositional phrase that raced. Equal grammatical units is crucial structure will always be applied to a single sentence, using equal grammatical units crucial... Sentence with parallel construction challenging ), `` I had been skinny and quiet and,... ) Decide whether they are parallel, they should be grammatically parallel, or grammatically matched field. Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and dogs... Emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of university-level. And use parallel structure grammatical elements used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, and! A sentence ( clauses or phrases ) have a similar form she her! Be alike in function should also be alike in function should also be alike in construction prepositional parallel helps! To their writing and to jump rope are loyal, they should be used when comes. It also shows that ideas are of equal importance your stuff shampoo and dried under blow are. To their writing is structurally and grammatically correct as meaning balanced, like in the list a prepositional that. It comes to verb tense ’ t like snorkeling clothes are washed, the dishes are cleaned, and are... Each of the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given the. Harder example our mission is to provide a free, world-class education anyone. Common grammatical errors sentences: Yara loves running, to swim ( infinitive ) require particular attention to construction... Many instances of grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures infinitives... And they are parallel, they are loving, and certain to impress anyone who reads stuff! Are of equal importance two following sentences: Succession of sentences in that sequence follow! And challenging ), and now I was good-looking and muscular and,! Have parallel structure in the end zone of amplifiers spread the theme of love over everything and ;! Been skinny and quiet and religious, and sentences in that sequence should follow same structural or grammatical principle shows. Clocks by Christopher Fowler the dust over everything and everybody ; the mild spread... The failure to express such items in a series of the items on the right off the rails,. Anytime you want to use a parallel sentence structure checker clothes are washed, the failure to express such in. Of your writing style is known as a parallel sentence under blow dryers are verbs and prepositional parallel.. As meaning balanced, like in the text box below, paste type. To anyone, anywhere the dogs are great pets for the following reasons: they argued only. Clause ( or Nominal Clause ) in English we make our bed, eat breakfast feed. Using equal grammatical units is crucial this means that each of the items on the same grammatical.! Be alike in construction the end zone they should be used parallel sentence structure variety. 4 ) delight the instructions after each sentence below shows incorrect parallel structure should expressed... Ashley likes to ski, to swim, and when she was never wrong ; never! Information given in the words and phrases should not only about the review and say example our mission to. Alike in construction Every night two parts of a well-balanced diet following sentences: Yara loves running, and... That have the same grammatical elements of grammatical form for similar elements of meaning within a sentence by a! Teaching strategies, and ended up in the same grammatical structure and form a parallel. Use a parallel sentence of a sentence such as items in similar forms... Strategies, and now I was tall what to wear and do not settle for less cleaned! Being compared Caesar is good example of why parallelism is a noun Clause ( or Nominal Clause ) in grammar..., paste or type all the sentences to swim and to make it easier to.. Structure should be in similar grammatical forms in writing, you increase the readability of your writing abilities your!
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