MLA Rules for Parallel Structure in Lists and Headings

📚 What is Parallel Structure?

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a grammatical form within a sentence or across multiple sentences. It ensures that elements in a list or series have the same grammatical structure. This consistency makes your writing clearer, smoother, and more impactful, especially in academic contexts like those using MLA formatting.

📜 A Brief History

The concept of parallel structure has roots in classical rhetoric, emphasizing balance and symmetry in language. While not explicitly defined by the Modern Language Association until later editions, the principle of consistent grammatical form has always been valued in formal writing. Modern MLA guidelines simply formalize this time-honored principle for academic essays and research papers.

🔑 Key Principles of MLA Parallel Structure

• ✍️ Use the Same Grammatical Form: Ensure all items in a list are nouns, verbs, phrases, or clauses.
• 🔢 Match Number and Tense: Keep the number (singular/plural) and tense (past, present, future) consistent across all list items.
• 🔗 Use Coordinating Conjunctions Correctly: Words like "and," "but," and "or" should connect elements of equal grammatical rank.
• 📌 Apply to Headings: Main headings, subheadings, and even minor headings should maintain a parallel structure within a document or section.

✏️ Real-World Examples

Non-Parallel:

Incorrect: I enjoy reading, to hike, and playing sports.

Parallel:

Correct: I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing sports.

Non-Parallel Headings:

Incorrect:

• Introduction
• Methods of Research
• Results were Shown
• Discussion

Parallel Headings:

Correct:

• Introduction
• Research Methods
• Results
• Discussion

🧪 Practice Quiz

Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure:

1. I like to sing, dancing, and acting.
2. I like singing, to dance, and acting.
3. I like singing, dancing, and acting.

(Answer: 3)

1. The essay was well-researched, thoughtful, and it was articulate.
2. The essay was well-researched, thoughtful, and articulate.
3. The essay was researched well, it was thoughtful, and articulate.

(Answer: 2)

1. He enjoys cooking, to read, and gardening.
2. He enjoys cooking, reading, and gardening.
3. He enjoys to cook, reading and gardening.

(Answer: 2)

1. She wanted a car that was fast, reliable, and looked stylish.
2. She wanted a car that was fast, reliable, and with style.
3. She wanted a car that was fast, reliability, and styled.

(Answer: 1)

1. The report covered data analysis, results interpretation, and making recommendations.
2. The report covered analyzing data, interpreting results, and recommendations.
3. The report covered data analysis, interpreting results, and making recommendations.

(Answer: 3)

1. For fun, she enjoys hiking, to read, and painting.
2. For fun, she enjoys hiking, reading, and to paint.
3. For fun, she enjoys hiking, reading, and painting.

(Answer: 3)

1. The company valued integrity, innovation, and serving customers.
2. The company valued integrity, innovation, and customer service.
3. The company valued being integrity, innovation, and serving customers.

(Answer: 2)

🎯 Conclusion

Mastering parallel structure is crucial for clear and effective writing, especially in MLA-formatted academic papers. By ensuring consistent grammatical form, you enhance readability and strengthen your arguments. Keep practicing, and your writing will shine! ✨