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Parallelism Discussion

The document explains the concept of parallel structure in writing, emphasizing the importance of using the same grammatical forms to balance related ideas. It provides examples of correct and faulty parallelism, as well as guidelines for maintaining parallel structure with various conjunctions and lists. The document also includes exercises for correcting sentences to adhere to parallelism rules.

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15 views24 pages

Parallelism Discussion

The document explains the concept of parallel structure in writing, emphasizing the importance of using the same grammatical forms to balance related ideas. It provides examples of correct and faulty parallelism, as well as guidelines for maintaining parallel structure with various conjunctions and lists. The document also includes exercises for correcting sentences to adhere to parallelism rules.

Uploaded by

stellharb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallelism

Parallel Structure

• The use of the same grammatical


forms or structures to balance related
ideas in a sentence.
Parallel Structure

• When joining several equal or related


ideas in a sentence, it is important
that you express these ideas in a
similar way.
Parallel Structure

• For example, balance an adjective


with an adjective, a phrase with a
phrase, and a clause with a clause.
The grammar crime (Faulty
Parallelism)

• Faulty parallelism distracts the


reader and disturbs the flow of
the writing.
How do we correct faulty
parallelism?
• Look for comparisons and lists. Make
sure all of the linked items are in the
same form.
COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS

FANBOYS
Parallel Structure With
Coordinating Conjunctions

Parallel structure should be used when you


connect clauses with a coordinating
conjunction such as: For, And, Nor, But, Or,
Yet, So, in a sentence.
Parallel Structure With
Coordinating Conjunctions

Examples:
1. Every morning, we make our bed, eat
breakfast and feed the dog.
2. I was asked to host or to dance in the event.
Parallel Structure with
Correlative Conjunctions

Parallel structure is also used with


correlative conjunctions, such as either ... or,
neither ... nor, not only ... but also.
Parallel Structure with
Correlative Conjunctions
Examples:
1. They argued not only about the
article but also about the review.
2. Either she likes to see him or she doesn't
like to see him.
Parallel Structure with
Infinitives
Examples:
1. Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump.
2. She likes to dance and to sing songs.
Parallel Structure with Gerunds

Examples:
1. Joe likes running, walking and being active.
2. We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the
sun.
Parallel Structure with Clauses
Examples:
1. The teacher told them that
they need to study and that
they should practice their words
every night.
2. My parents said get a good education
and do not settle for less.
Parallel Structure in Lists with
Colons
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.
Parallel Structure in Lists with
Colons
Examples:
1. The following activities can be done at the
mall: buying groceries, eating lunch
and paying bills.
2. In your bedroom, you will find the
following: a bed, a closet and a desk.
Parallel Structure in other Lists

Even when a colon isn't used to introduce a


list, parallel construction is important.
Parallel Structure in other Lists
Examples:
1. Mary wanted to make sure that she made her
presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively.
2. Tim was considered to be a good employee
because he was always on time, he was very
motivated and he was a good leader.
Parallel Structure in Verb Tense
Examples:
1. She wrote a letter and mailed it to the school.
2. Yesterday, we watched a movie, played video
games and made pizza.
Which of the following observes
Parallelism?
• He learned three things: shooting, passing,
and dribbling.

• He learned three things: shooting, passing,


and how to dribble.
Which of the following observes
Parallelism?
• A good coach must learn to communicate
with players, to organize a schedule, and
adversity.

• A good coach must learn to communicate


with players, to organize a schedule, and to
handle adversity.
Which of the following observes
Parallelism?
• Olympic athletes usually like practicing,
competing, and eating ice cream sandwiches.

• Olympic athletes usually like to practice,


compete, and eat ice cream sandwiches.
Correct the following sentences to observe
Parallelism.

1. We wanted to cook and to go swimming.

2. Driving a car requires coordination, and to


patience

3. When I walk the dog, I like to listen to


music and talking to friends on the phone.
Correct the following sentences to observe
Parallelism.

4. Last summer, I learned how to play tennis, to


swim, and ride a bike.
5. Jim enjoys reading more than write.

6. Lara was excited about inviting friends over,


eating a good meal, and to play cards.

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