• The use of the same pattern of words that show two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

• Happens at the word, phrase, clause, or sentence level

What is Parallel Structure?

• Join parallel structures using certain FANBOYS such as “and”/”or”

Gerund Usage

• -ING endingParallel: Mary likes hiking,

swimming, and biking.

Parallel: The dog swims quickly, happily, and energetically.

Not Parallel: The dog swims quickly, happily, and in an energetic fashion.

-ly Use

• - to usageParallel: The dog likes to hike, to swim,

and to ride a bicycle

Parallel: The dog likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle

Infinitive Phrases

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy

Famous Examples of Parallel Structure

• Do not mix formsEx: The dog likes hiking, swimming,

and to ride a bicycle.

Mixing Forms

• “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.’

• I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

• I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.”

Famous Examples of Parallel Structure