ParallelismEnglish 11AMs. Cimino and Mrs. Marteney

What is parallelism?

In writing, parallelism refers to balance and equality. In order for the reader to understand what the writer means, the words must make sense in time and space. If you start talking about one thing

one way, you can’t – mid-sentence – switch to talking about something else a different way.

Understanding Parallelism• Use similar structures to express similar ideas.

• Put nouns with nounsIncorrect: I enjoy basketball more than playing video games.Correct: I enjoy basketball more than video games.

• Put verbs with verbs (and use same tense)On our anniversary, we ate, danced, and were singing.On our anniversary, we ate, danced, and sang.

• Put adjectives with adjectivesMy history class was both interesting and a challenge.My history class was both interesting and challenging.

Parallelism in Pairs and Lists

When you present two or more items in a series joined by and or or, use similar form for each item.

Incorrect

I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and in history.

I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and my history class.

Correct

I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and in my history class.

Parallelism in Comparisons

In comparisons, the items being compared must have parallel structure.

Driving to Austin is as fast as to fly.Driving to Austin is as fast as flying.

Buying textbooks is almost as expensive as tuition.Buying textbooks is almost as expensive as paying tuition.Textbooks are almost as expensive as tuition.

Parallelism with Paired Words

When a sentence uses correlative conjunctions, the items joined by them must be parallel.

My history course is both interesting and a challenge.My history course is both interesting and challenging.

You must either make a C in the course or taking it again will be the consequence.You must either make a C in the course or take it again.

I would rather work hard and pass than to repeat the course.I would rather work hard and pass than repeat the course.