Parallelism

Parallelism
• Parallel structures use a repeating pattern of
words to indicate that the words, phrases, or
clauses.
• When joining several equal or related ideas in
a sentence, it is important that you express
these ideas in a similar way.
• For example, balance an adjective with an
adjective, a phrase with a phrase, and a clause
with a clause.
 Examples of parallel structure
• Not parallel:
He learned three things: shooting, passing, and how to
dribble.
(two gerunds and a phrase)
• Parallel:
He learned three things: shooting, passing, and dribbling.
(three gerunds)
• Not parallel:
A good coach must learn to communicate with players, to
organize a schedule, and adversity.
(two phrases and a noun)
• Parallel:
A good coach must learn to communicate with players, to
organize a schedule, and to handle adversity.
 Parallel Words
• The Ironman includes swimming, bicycling,
and running.
• Be sure to bring with you a book, pen,
calendar, and binder.
 Parallel Phrases
• The homebuyers were told to pay the earnest
money, to get an inspection, and to talk to
their mortgage broker.
• Hooked on romance novels, I learned that
there is nothing more important than being
rich, looking good, and having a good time.
 Parallel Clauses
• The salesman expected that he would present
at the meeting, that there would be time for
his slide presentation, and that prospective
buyers would ask questions.
 Parallel lists
• Abused children commonly exhibit one or
more of the following symptoms: withdrawal,
rebelliousness, restlessness, and depression.
• A thesaurus can be used to find: synonyms,
antonyms, connotations, and denotations
 Parallel Items in Pairs
• At Lincoln High School, vandalism can result in
suspension or expulsion.
• Thomas Edison was not only a prolific
inventor, but also a successful entrepreneur.
• It is easier to speak in abstractions than to
ground one’s thoughts in reality.
 Parallel Function Words
• To stop smoking, many smokers try switching
to a brand they find distasteful or to a low tar
and nicotine cigarette.
• Riley told me that she was late, that she
couldn’t be bothered to get a pass, and that
I’d just have to deal with it.
 Coordinating conjunctions
• and, or, but, for, so, yet, or nor
• Example: Jane wants financial independence
and to find love.
• Corrected: Jane wants financial independence
and love
• Or
• Corrected: Jane wants to achieve financial
independence and to find love.
 Correlative conjunctions
• Either A or B, Neither A nor B, Both A and B,
Not only A but also B, or Whether A or B
• Example: Vasu not only broke Indian traditions
but also was destroying Natara’s life.
• Corrected: Vasu not only broke Indian
traditions but also destroyed Natara’s life.
 Word in a series
• Example: The production manager was asked
to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a
detailed manner.
• Corrected: The production manager was asked
to write his report quickly, accurately, and
thoroughly.
 Comparisons and contrasts
• Using than or as (more than, as much as)
• Example: Joan does not like Chuck Brewer as
much as she seemed to like the Royal
Porcupine.
• Corrected: Joan does not like Chuck Brewer as
much as she likes the Royal Porcupine.
 Function words
• Prepositions (to, by, in, for), Articles (a, an,
the), The infinitive (to), Introductory words
(that, who, which, because, when)
• Example: Andrew believes that Jerry Bines is
innocent, and Vera’s book does not
characterize Jerry properly.
• Corrected: Andrew believes that Jerry Bines is
innocent, and that Vera’s book does not
characterize Jerry properly.
 Choose the sentence that has parallel
structure.
• 1. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should
write the rough draft.
B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write
the rough draft.
C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing
rough draft.
____________________________________________
• 2. A. The three authors show the value of reading by using
metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal
experiences also.
B. The three authors show the value of reading by using
metaphors, examples, and personal experiences.
C. The three authors show the value of reading by using
 Answers
• 1. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should
write the rough draft.
B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write
the rough draft.
C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing
rough draft.
____________________________________________
• 2. A. The three authors show the value of reading by using
metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal
experiences also.
B. The three authors show the value of reading by using
metaphors, examples, and personal experiences.
C. The three authors show the value of reading by using
 Choose the sentence that has parallel
structure.
• 3. 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.
____________________________________________
• 4. 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.
 Answers
• 3. 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.
____________________________________________
• 4. 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.
 Choose the sentence that has parallel
structure.
• 5. 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.
____________________________________________
• 6. A. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than I
have watched the movie version.
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.
 Answers
• 5. 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.
____________________________________________
• 6. A. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than I
have watched the movie version.
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.