Parallel structure
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Parallel structure involves using the same grammatical form for items in a list or parts of a sentence that are being compared. It should be used with coordinating conjunctions like "and", "or", and "but", as well as correlative conjunctions like "either...or" and "neither...nor". Examples show how parallel structure is needed with verbs, infinitives, clauses, and items in a list. Common errors like mixing verb tenses or grammatical forms are highlighted. Maintaining parallel structure makes writing easier to read and shows relationships between ideas.
Parallel structure
- 1. By: Aamir Ayub Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Peshawar
- 2. Parallel structure is the repetition of a grammatical form within a sentence. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.
- 4. Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses or more than one action with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet in a sentence.
- 5. The words that indicate parallel construction are marked in bold. Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog. I will not sing a song, nor will I dance.
- 6. The terms that should be parallel, but are not, are Bold. Every morning, we make our bed, eating breakfast and feed the dog. ("Eating" does not match "make" or "feed" in structure.) I will not sing a song, nor dance. (The writer used "will" with "not," so also needs to use "will" with nor.)
- 7. Parallel structure is also used with correlative conjunctions, such as either ... or, neither ... nor, not only ... but also.
- 8. The words that indicate parallel construction are marked in bold. They argued not only about the article but also about the review. Either she likes to see him or she doesn't like to see him
- 9. The errors in the following examples are bold. They argued not only about the article, but they argued also about the review. (The phrase "they argued" should not be here; it keeps the second part of the sentence from being parallel with the first.) Either she likes to see him or doesn't like seeing him. ("Likes to see" should be used with "doesn't like to see" or "doesn't like to see" should be used with "likes to see", but the two structures shouldn't be mixed.)
- 10. Infinitive sentences includes infinitives having “to + verb”. Parallel structure is needed if a sentence has more than “to + verb”.
- 11. The terms that indicate parallel structure are marked in bold. Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump. She likes to dance and to sing songs.
- 12. The problematic areas are bold below. Ashley likes to ski, to swim and jump. (There needs to be a "to" between "and" and "jump," to be parallel with the other items.) She likes dancing and to sing songs. (This should pair "to dance" with "to sing" so the infinitive form is used throughout the sentence.)
- 13. Correct Examples The bold words indicate that parallel construction is used correctly. Joe likes running, walking and being active. We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the sun. Incorrect Examples The words that should be parallel but aren't are shown bold here. Joe likes running, walking and outdoor activities. ("Running" and "walking" are parallel with each other, but "outdoor activities" is not parallel. Use "participating in outdoor activities" or similar.) We enjoy relaxing and like to sit out in the sun. (The italicized phrases are not parallel; they should both include verbs that end in -ing.)
- 14. Correct Examples The bold terms illustrate parallel construction between the clauses. The teacher told them that they need to study and that they should practice their words every night. My parents said get a good education and do not settle for less. Incorrect Examples In these examples, the clauses do not illustrate parallel construction.The problem wording is highlighted. The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night. (This sentence should either include "that they" in both clauses, like the correct example above, or it should include the word "said" between "that" and "they.") My parents said to get a good education and not settle for less. (Here, the word "to" should be included before "not" in the italicized text.)
- 15. When you have items on a list following a colon, the items should all be in the same form in order to avoid a parallel structure error.
- 16. Wording that indicates parallel construction in these examples is bold. The following activities can be done at the mall: buying groceries, eating lunch and paying bills. In your bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet and a desk.
- 17. The problematic words in these examples are highlighted bold. The following activities can be done at the mall: buying groceries, eating lunch and bill payment. ("Bill payment" should be written as "paying bills" in order to show parallel construction.) In your bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet and, sitting at a desk. (You shouldn't list two nouns with an activity in this type of list. It could read, "a bed, a closet, and a desk if that is what the writer means. If the writer wants to describe someone sitting at a desk, that should be part of a new sentence. )
- 18. Keep in mind that parallel structure should be used when it comes to verb tense. Your verb tenses should always match.
- 19. The bold words in these examples are all past tense, which means they are examples of parallel construction. She wrote a letter and mailed it to the school. Yesterday we watched a movie, played video games and made pizza.
- 20. The examples below mix tenses.The problematic words are shown bold. She writes a letter and mailed it to the school. (This mixes present and past tense; both words should be the same tense.) Yesterday we watched a movie, play video games and made pizza. ("Watched" and "made" are past tense, but "play" is present tense. It should be "played" since the sentence specifies this took place in the past.)
- 21. Parallel structure provides flow in a sentence. It keeps your writing balanced and makes it easier to read. It also shows that ideas are of equal importance. Errors in parallel structure can make your writing sound strange to listeners.