Use parallel structure

Key notes:

Definition of Parallel Structure:

  • Parallel structure (or parallelism) refers to using the same grammatical form or pattern in a series of related words, phrases, or clauses.

Importance of Parallel Structure:

  • It improves clarity, flow, and balance in writing.
  • It makes sentences easier to read and understand.

Identifying Parallel Structure:

  • When items are listed in a sentence, they should all follow the same grammatical form (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.).

Examples of Parallel Structure:

  • Correct: “She likes reading, writing, and biking.” (All gerunds)
  • Incorrect: “She likes reading, to write, and biking.” (Inconsistent forms: gerund, infinitive, gerund)

Using Parallel Structure with Coordinating Conjunctions:

  • Ensure that items joined by conjunctions like “and,” “or,” and “but” are in the same form.
  • Example: “He wanted to run, swim, and cycle.”

Parallel Structure in Comparisons:

  • When comparing things using words like “than” or “as,” keep the compared items in the same grammatical form.
  • Example: “She is more interested in painting than in singing.”

Parallel Structure in Lists and Series:

  • When writing lists, especially in bullet points or numbered items, ensure that each element starts with the same grammatical form.
  • Example: “To improve your writing:
    • Edit your sentences for clarity.
    • Remove unnecessary words.
    • Check for parallel structure.”

Parallel Structure in Sentences with Correlative Conjunctions:

  • Use parallelism with pairs like “either/or,” “neither/nor,” and “both/and.”
  • Example: “You can either study now or wait until later.”

Recognizing Errors in Parallel Structure:

  • Look for inconsistencies in form within lists or phrases.
  • Correcting non-parallel sentences makes writing more coherent and professional.

let’s practice!