Parallel structure (writing)
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a writing technique that employs similar grammatical constructions within a sentence, paragraph, or list to enhance clarity and cohesion. This technique helps to communicate ideas with equal importance and suggests a connection among the elements presented. For example, a sentence like "Today, Jim went to the mall, to the pharmacy, and to the grocery store" showcases parallel structure through its use of consistent infinitive phrases.
There are various forms of parallel structure, including the use of parallel words, phrases, clauses, and lists, all of which should maintain the same tense and voice. Common mistakes in achieving parallel structure involve mixing different grammatical forms, such as combining gerunds with infinitives or using inconsistent clause starters. For instance, the sentence "Running, swimming, and to play checkers are Nina's favorite activities" lacks parallelism due to the mix of gerunds and an infinitive.
By adhering to the rules of parallel structure, writers can create more effective and engaging sentences, making their writing clearer and more persuasive. Understanding and applying this technique is an essential part of the writing process that contributes to better communication.
Parallel structure (writing)
Parallel structure is a writing technique that involves using similar grammatical construction in multiple parts of a sentence, paragraph, or list. Writers use parallel structure to indicate similar levels of importance or imply other general similarities. The sentence "Today, Jim went to the mall, to the pharmacy, and to the grocery store" is an example of parallel structure because it contains a series of infinitive phrases. Writers use parallel structure in a variety of other ways. Revising a piece of writing to make sure parallel structure is correctly used is part of the writing process.
Forms of Parallel Structure
Parallel structure can take many forms. Some of the most common forms include parallel structure in words, phrases, clauses, and lists. Parallel structure necessitates that all the words have the same tense. "Steve vacuumed, washed, and polished his car," is a good example of parallel structure in words. Washed, vacuumed, and polished are all past tense.
The same sentence can be modified to demonstrate the use of parallel phrases. The sentence "Today, Steve has to vacuum, wash, and polish his car," uses parallel structure. To vacuum, to wash, and to polish are all infinitive phrases. Note that the word "to" is only required for the first infinitive phrase.
In a parallel construction, clauses must all use the same tense and voice. The sentence "Jessica knew that she could finish her math homework, wash the dishes, and clean her room before seven o'clock" contains parallel structure. However, the sentence "Jessica knew that she could finish her math homework, wash the dishes, and have her room cleaned before seven o'clock" does not contain parallel structure. While the verbs "finish her science homework" and "wash the dishes" maintain the same tense and voice, the verb in "have her room cleaned" does not.
Sometimes lists are used in writing. Lists may also use parallel construction. To determine if a list is parallel, apply the same rules as you would if the words appeared in a sentence. For example, the following list qualifies as parallel structure:
"Jim has several chores on Tuesdays:
- Washing clothes
- Picking up his little brother from school
- Making dinner"
Common Mistakes
Writers should remember several important rules regarding parallel structure. First, if the verbs are functioning as anything other than a verb, they must all be in the same form. This means the verbs in a parallel structure must all be infinitives, gerunds, or the same participle tense. The forms cannot be mixed without breaking parallel structure. For example, the sentence "Running, swimming, and to play checkers are Nina's favorite activities" is not parallel because the first two words are gerunds while "to play checkers" is an infinitive phrase. Second, verb clauses in parallel structure should not mix clauses beginning with "that" and clauses starting with "who, what, when, how, why," or "where." For example, this sentence does not have parallel structure: "The teacher told the students that they should follow the rules, how they should not talk too much, and that they should stay with their partner." The sentence could be revised like this: "The teacher told the students that they should follow the rules, that they should not talk too much, and that they should stay with their partner" or like this: "The teacher told the students that they should follow the rules, not talk too much, and stay with their partner."
Bibliography
"Parallel Structure." Evergreen Writing Center. The Evergreen State College. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. http://www.evergreen.edu/writingcenter/handouts/grammar/parallel.pdf
"Parallel Structure." OWL at Purdue. Purdue University. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/623/01/
"Tips and Tricks." LinguisTech. Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware. Web. 30 Dec. 2014. http://linguistech.ca/Tips+and+Tricks+-+Parallel+Structure