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Parallel

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17 views

Parallel

Uploaded by

hassanmbabiker4
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallel Structure

Parallel structure—also known as parallelism or parallel construction—refers


to a balance (or pattern) within elements of a sentence, like part of speech
and verb tense. In other words, when writing a sentence, particularly one
with some sort of list, the words, phrases, or clauses should be similar to one
another. Parallel uses the same pattern of words, verbs. Nouns, phrases or
clauses to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance
Parallel structures make your sentence easier to read.

Words and Phrases

With the -ing form (gerund) of words:

Parallel:

Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.

With infinitive phrases:

Parallel:

Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.


OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.

(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the
first one.)

Do not mix forms.

Example 1

Not Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

Example 2

Not Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately,
and in a detailed manner.

Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately,
and thoroughly.
Example 3

Not Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last
minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless
manner, and his motivation was low.

Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last
minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless
manner, and lacked motivation.

Clauses

A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses.
Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active
to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.

Example 1

Not Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they
should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the
game.

Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they
should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up
exercises before the game.

— or —

Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too
much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.

Example 2

Not Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the
meeting, that he would have time to show his slide presentation, and that
questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)

Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the
meeting, that he would have time to show his slide presentation, and that
prospective buyers would ask him questions.

Lists After a Colon

Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.


Example 3

Not Parallel:
The dictionary can be used to find these: word
meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular
verbs.

Parallel:
The dictionary can be used to find these: word
meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Example 4

Not Parallel: Reece likes to read, writing, and eat.

Parallel: Reece likes reading, writing, and eating.

Example 5

Not Parallel: My professor told me that I needed to write a paper by Friday,


I should study for my quiz on Tuesday, and to do my homework.

Parallel: My professor told me that I needed to write a paper by


Friday, study for my quiz on Tuesday, and do my homework – or -

My professor told me that I need to write a paper by Friday, that I need to


study for my quiz on Tuesday, and that I need to do my homework.

Example 6

Not Parallel: My shopping list for the party includes: balloons, dessert,
streamers, and chips.

Parallel: My shopping list for the party includes: balloons, desserts,


streamers, and chips.

Example 7

Not Parallel: I have to eat breakfast quickly and be efficient so I can get to
class on time.

Parallel: I have to eat breakfast quickly and efficiently so I can get to class
on time.

Example 8

Not Parallel: I enjoy neither playing video games or exercise.

Parallel: I enjoy neither playing video games nor exercising.

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