Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at three levels:Word

Phrase

Clause

Understand the problem.

• For a list of actions or items, you must maintain parallel structure. To do this, use equal grammatical units. If the first item is a noun, then the following items must also be nouns; if the first item is a verb, then make the other items verbs as well.

Nonparallel structure looks like this:

• At the garden store, Larissa bought , , and .

• At the garden store, Larissa bought plastic pink flamingos, ceramic gnomes, and then she impulsively added a concrete mermaid to her cart.

Parallel structure, the correct way to write, looks like this:

• At the garden store, Larissa bought , , and .

• At the garden store, Larissa bought plastic pink flamingos, ceramic gnomes, and a concrete mermaid.

Know the solution.• Once you discover a nonparallel item, you have two

options. First, you can make it conform to the other grammatical items in the sentence. Look at this example:

We spent the hour in the waiting room reading old magazines, eating stale cookies from the vending

machine, and we wiggled on the hard plastic chairs.

We spent the hour in the waiting room reading old magazines, eating stale cookies from the vending machine, and wiggling on the hard plastic chairs.

Know the solution.

• Or we can alter the first two items and have this version instead:

We spent the hour in the waiting room reading old magazines, eating stale cookies from the vending

machine, and we wiggled on the hard plastic chairs.

In the waiting room, we read old magazines, ate stale cookies from the vending machine, and wiggled on the

hard plastic chairs.

Words and Phrases

Incorrect:

Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Correct:

Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

More Examples: Words & Phrases

Incorrect:

The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.

Correct:

The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

Examples continued:

Incorrect:

Angry ants, munched the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.

Correct:

Angry ants, munching marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.

Clauses

Parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue on with clauses.

Incorrect:

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.

Correct:

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

Lists after a colon

Incorrect:

The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

Correct:

The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Other things to watch for:

Use parallel structure with pairs of words or ideas.

Examples:

Granny’s method was tried and true

Man proposes. God disposes.

Use parallel structure on both sides of coordinating

conjunctions

(and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so)

Examples:

She possessed all the wizard’s charm yet none of the wizard’s insight.

Consult a doctor if your coughing persists or if your coughing worsens over the weekend.

Continued -

In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.

In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and appreciate good prose.

Correct the sentences with improper parallel structure.

Sabrina has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality.

Sabrina has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.

Continued-

Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend.

Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend.

Continued -

We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing.

We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing.

Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and he had it conveniently arranged.

Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and conveniently arranged.

Practice

• Directions: In the following sentences, choose the correct word or phrase that gives the sentence correct parallel structure.

1. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and ________.a. …a good game of cards

b. …to play cards

c. …playing a game of cards

Practice

2. I have always enjoyed reading the book more than ________.

a. …I watched the movie version

b. …watching the movie

c. …to watch the movie

Practice

3. When the weather outside is cold and ______, I like to be indoors.

a. …starting to get windy…

b. …windy…

c. …getting windy…

Practice

4. Running, lifting, and _______ are three of Ashley’s favorite exercises.

a. …racquetball…

b. …a spinning class…

c. …bicycling…

Assignment: Using parallel structure, complete the following sentences. Then, underline the parts of the sentence that show

parallel structure.

1. The little girl liked eating cookies better than __________ at her grandmother’s house.

2. Students like to sleep, relax, and _______ during the summer.

3. He went to the store to pick up a carton of milk and two ___________.

4. Food, shelter, and ________ are all I need to survive.

5. _____________ is much better than a visit to the dentist.

The End