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Parallel Structure

This document discusses parallel structure and its importance in writing. Parallel structure means that items in a series have the same grammatical form. It makes writing more balanced and clear. The document provides examples of parallel and non-parallel constructions and asks the reader to identify which examples demonstrate parallel structure. Maintaining parallel structure is important for fluent and effective writing.

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Yuseva Sariati
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94 views

Parallel Structure

This document discusses parallel structure and its importance in writing. Parallel structure means that items in a series have the same grammatical form. It makes writing more balanced and clear. The document provides examples of parallel and non-parallel constructions and asks the reader to identify which examples demonstrate parallel structure. Maintaining parallel structure is important for fluent and effective writing.

Uploaded by

Yuseva Sariati
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallel Structure

Hanif M Darussalam
What Is Parallel Structure?
• Parallel construction (or structure)
means that a pair or series of items
have the same form.
• The usual way to join parallel
structures is with the use of
coordinating such as and, but, and
or.
Think about it….
• Make sure each item in a series has
the same structure.
• Not parallel: Superbugs are adapting,
spreading, and kill thousands.
• Parallel: Superbugs are adapting,
spreading, and killing thousands.
• Superbugs are adapting, spreading, and
kill thousands.
– Notice that two of the verbs in the
series end in –ing, but the third (“kill”)
does not. (Not parallel)
• Superbugs are adapting, spreading, and
killing thousands.
– All three of the verbs in the series end
in –ing. (Parallel)
B-A-L-A-N-C-E-D

• Do you have a better idea


about parallel structure now?
• Parallel structure makes sure
that your writing is balanced.
Do you see the difference?
Not Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and
to ride a bicycle.
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming,
and riding a bicycle.
Can you see the difference?
Not Parallel:
The production manager was asked to
write his report quickly, accurately, and
in a detailed manner.
Parallel:
The production manager was asked to
write his report quickly, accurately, and
thoroughly.
You try it!
• Number you paper from 1 – 11.
• Read the choices on the slides.
• Answer A, B, or C.
• Write the sentence. Underline the
elements that are parallel.
#1. Which one is parallel & why?
A. Justin was excited about inviting
friends over, eating a good meal, and
to play a game of cards.
B. Justin was excited about inviting
friends over, eating a good meal, and
to play cards.
C. Justin was excited about inviting
friends over, eating a good meal, and
playing a game of cards.
#2. Which one is parallel?
A. When the weather outside is cold and
starting to get windy, I like to be
indoors.
B. When the weather outside is cold and
windy, I like to be indoors.
C. When the weather outside is cold and
getting windy, I like to be indoors.
#3. Which one is parallel?
A. Researchers study superbugs,
probe their weaknesses, and they
hope to find new treatments.
B. Researchers study superbugs, they
probe their weaknesses, and they
hope to find new treatments.
C. Researchers study superbugs,
probe their weaknesses, and hope
to find new treatments.
#4. Which one is parallel?

A. I have always enjoyed reading the book


more than I have watched the movie.
B. I have always enjoyed reading the book
more than to watch the movie.
C. I have always enjoyed reading the book
more than watching the movie.
#5. Which one is parallel?

A. Mary tried out for the basketball team, the


soccer team, and she went to tryouts for the
volleyball team, too.
B. Mary tried out for the basketball team, and
the soccer team, and she tried out for the
volleyball team.
C. Mary tried out for the basketball team, the
soccer team, and the volleyball team.
#6. Which one is parallel?

A. Inez heard the phone ringing,


answered it, and is taking a message.
B. Inez heard the phone ringing, went to
answer it, and is taking a message.
C. Inez heard the phone ringing,
answered it, and took a message.
#7. Which one is parallel?

A. In its energy, its lyrics, and the costumes


they wore, the band presented a powerful
protest.
B. In its energy, its lyrics, and its costumes,
the band presented a powerful protest.
C. In its energy, the lyrics, and the costumes
they wore, the band presented a powerful
protest.
#8. Which one is parallel?
A. The coach told the players that they should get
a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too
much, and to do some warm-up exercises
before the game.
B. The coach told the players that they should get
a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some
warm-up exercises before the game.
C. The coach told the players that they should get
a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too
much, and that they should do some warm-up
exercises before the game.
#9. Which one is parallel?
A. Running, lifting, and racquetball are
three of Ashley’s favorite exercises.
B. Running, lifting, and a spinning class
are three of Ashley’s favorite
exercises.
C. Running, lifting, and bicycling are
three of Ashley’s favorite exercises.
# 10. Which one is parallel?

A. Here is where the cold winds blow and the bears


hibernate, where a family’s income is double the
national average, and almost everyone lives in a
trailer.
B. Here is where the cold winds blow and the bears
hibernate, where a family’s income is double the
national average, and where almost everyone lives
in a trailer.
C. Here is where the cold winds blow and the bears
hibernate, a family’s income is double the national
average, and where almost everyone lives in a
trailer.
Congratulations!
• You are now an expert on parallel
structure.
• If you pay attention to parallel structure
in your writing, it will be more clear,
more fluent, and more effective.

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