Parallel structure
- 2. 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 three levels: Word Phrase Clause
- 3. Words and phrases Incorrect: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle. Correct: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
- 4. More examples: words & phrases Incorrect: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. Correct: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thorouhly.
- 5. Examples continued Incorrect: Angry ants, munched the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop. Correct: Angry ants, munching the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.
- 6. Clauses Parallel structure that begins with clauses ust continue on with clauses. Incorrect: The coach told he 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. Correct The coach told he 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.
- 7. List after a colon Incorrect: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. Correct The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
- 8. Other things to watch for: Use parallel structure on both sides of coordinating conjuctions (and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so) Examples: She possesses all the wizard’s charm yet none of the wizard’s insight. Consultant a doctor if your coughing persists or if your coughing worsens over the weekend.