Grammar - 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.'
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words
'Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases
'Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.
OR 'Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride 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 there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers.'
Parallel: 'The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him 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
Not Parallel: 'The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.'
Parallel: 'The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.'
Exercises
Please read and change these sentences to make them parallel.
- Not being able to speak the language causes confusion, is frustrating, and it’s embarrassing.
- Although the first candidate we interviewed seemed frightened and to be shy, the second was a composed person and showed an outgoing personality.
- Getting dressed up is something you enjoy, you love to dance, and like you crowds: three things that I consider torture.
- Lowering our profit margin, prices will be raised, and two management layoffs will enable us to meet our budget.
- After an enjoyable dinner, I like to drink a cappuccino, a dark-chocolate mint, and, occasionally, a good cigar.
Other types of parallel structure
Isocolon parallelism
If the writer uses two parallel structures.
'The bigger they are, the harder they fall.'
Tricolon parallelism
If there are three structures.
'...that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.'(Abraham Lincoln)
Asyndeton
Using no conjunctions to create an effect of speed or simplicity.
'Veni. Vidi. Vici. (I came. I saw. I conquered.)' (Julius Caesar)
'Been there. Done that. Bought the t-shirt.'
Polysyndeton
Using many conjunctions to achieve an overwhelming effect.
'This term, I am taking biology and English and history and math and music and physics and sociology.'
'All those 'ands' make the student sound like she is completely overwhelmed.'
Climax
Arrangement in order of increasing importance.
'Let a man acknowledge his obligations to himself, his family, his country, and his God.'
Antithesis
Contrary ideas expressed in a balanced sentence. It can be a contrast of opposites.
'Evil men fear authority; good men cherish it.'
Or it can be a contrast of degree.
'One small step for a man, one giant leap for all mankind. (Neil Armstrong)'
