π What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making sure that each compared item or item in a list follows the same grammatical pattern, you create a balanced and clear sentence. It improves readability and adds rhythm to your writing.
π A Little Bit of History
The concept of parallelism has roots stretching back to ancient rhetoric. Thinkers like Aristotle recognized the power of balanced phrasing to persuade and engage audiences. Over time, the principle has evolved from pure oratory into a foundational element of effective writing across various disciplines.
π Key Principles of Parallel Structure
- βοΈ Matching Nouns: If you start with a noun, continue with nouns. For example: Strength, courage, and wisdom are valuable qualities.
- verb: If you start with a verb, continue with verbs. For example: To run, to jump, and to swim are excellent exercises.
- π
°οΈ Using the Same Tense: Keep the verb tense consistent. For example: He walked, he talked, and he laughed. (Correct) vs. He walked, he is talking, and he will laugh. (Incorrect)
- π Parallel Phrases and Clauses: Ensure that phrases and clauses have the same structure. For example: She likes reading books and watching movies. (Correct) vs. She likes reading books and to watch movies. (Incorrect)
- β Using Parallel Structure with Coordinating Conjunctions: When using conjunctions like 'and', 'but', or 'or', make sure the elements they connect are parallel. Example: Not Parallel - I enjoy reading books and I also like to watch movies. Parallel - I enjoy reading books and watching movies.
π Real-World Examples
Let's look at some sentences and identify the parallel structure:
| Sentence |
Parallel Elements |
Explanation |
| Mary likes hiking, swimming, and biking. |
Hiking, swimming, biking |
All are gerunds (verbs ending in -ing). |
| The dog is not in the house, not in the yard, and not on the street. |
not in the house, not in the yard, not on the street |
All are prepositional phrases. |
| He wanted to sing, to dance, and to act. |
to sing, to dance, to act |
All are infinitive verb phrases. |
π‘ Tips and Tricks
- π Read Aloud: Reading the sentence aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing where parallelism is lacking.
- βοΈ Outline: Before writing, outline the structure of your sentence, especially for lists, to ensure parallelism.
- π§ Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your work with a focus on identifying and correcting any instances of faulty parallelism.
π Conclusion
Mastering parallel structure will significantly improve the clarity and impact of your writing. By ensuring that your sentences are balanced and consistent, you can communicate your ideas more effectively and engage your readers. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be a parallelism pro!