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Whatn Is Parallelism

The document discusses parallelism in writing and provides examples. Parallelism refers to using the same grammatical structure for multiple elements in a sentence or list. Maintaining parallel structure helps avoid grammatical errors and improves readability. Examples demonstrate parallel and non-parallel structures at the word, phrase, and clause level.

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jillianne marabe
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23 views

Whatn Is Parallelism

The document discusses parallelism in writing and provides examples. Parallelism refers to using the same grammatical structure for multiple elements in a sentence or list. Maintaining parallel structure helps avoid grammatical errors and improves readability. Examples demonstrate parallel and non-parallel structures at the word, phrase, and clause level.

Uploaded by

jillianne marabe
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Parallelism ?

 is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a sentence.
 elements can be used to intensify the rhythm of language, or to draw a comparison,
emphasize, or elaborate on an idea.
 Maintaining parallel structure helps you avoid grammatically incorrect sentences and
improves your writing style. Although lack of parallelism is not always strictly incorrect,
sentences with parallel structure are easier to read and add a sense of balance to your writing.

Examples of Parallelism:
Not Parallel: I like to jog, bake, paint, and watching movies.

Parallel: I like jog, bake, paint, and watch movies.

Not Parallel: We wanted to cook and to go swimming.

Parallel: We wanted to cook and to swim.

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 the word, phrase, or clause level.
The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such
as "and" or "or."

 Parallel structure in a series


 Parallel words
 On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an
adjective with other adjectives, and so on.

Example: Not Parallel: The company is looking for a candidate who is friendly, organized,
meticulous, and is going to arrive to work on time.
Parallel: The company is looking for a candidate who is friendly, organized,
meticulous, and punctual.

When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an infinitive (a verb
beginning with to) with a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing) breaks parallel structure.

Example: Not Parallel: The participants in the workshop learned how


to communicate, negotiate, and working
collaboratively for the most effective outcome.
Parallel: The participants in the workshop learned how to communicate,
negotiate, and work collaboratively for the most effective
outcome.

 Parallel phrases
 Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with
the same grammatical structure.
 For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.

Examples: Not Parallel: Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical caused
memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and deters sleep.

Parallel: Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical caused


memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and insomnia.

As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not mix phrases
based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs.

Examples: Not Parallel: Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records, and
to conduct visitor surveys.

Parallel: Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records, and
conducting visitor surveys.

 Parallel clauses
 Parallelism is also applicable to a series of clauses in a sentence.

Example: Not Parallel: The report card stated that the student often talked in class, that
he bullied other students, and rarely finished his homework.
Parallel: The report card stated that the student often talked in class,
that he bullied other students, and that he rarely finished his
homework.

 Lists after a colon


 A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.

Example: Not Parallel: Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several
key causes: deregulation policies, spike in interest rates,
manufacturing orders declining, and the emergence
of asset bubbles.

Parallel: Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several


key causes: deregulation policies, high interest rates, low
manufacturing orders, and asset bubbles.

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