Understanding Parallel Structure
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a grammatical principle that involves using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This creates balance, rhythm, and clarity in your writing, making it easier for your audience to read and understand. When elements in a sentence are parallel, they often share the same grammatical form. This applies to words, phrases, and even clauses.
Why is Parallel Structure Important?
- Clarity: It prevents ambiguity and confusion by making the relationships between ideas explicit.
- Flow and Rhythm: Parallelism creates a pleasing cadence, making your writing more engaging and memorable.
- Emphasis: By presenting ideas in a similar form, you highlight their equal significance.
- Professionalism: Correct use of parallel structure signals a mastery of grammar and enhances your credibility.
Common Areas Where Parallel Structure is Used
Parallel structure is crucial in various writing contexts, from simple lists to complex arguments.
Lists and Series
This is perhaps the most common application. When you have a list of items, they should ideally be in the same grammatical form.
- Incorrect: She enjoys hiking, to swim, and biking.
- Correct: She enjoys hiking, swimming, and biking. (All are gerunds)
- Incorrect: The report needs to be researched, written, and it should be proofread.
- Correct: The report needs to be researched, written, and proofread. (All are infinitives or past participles acting adjectivally)
Comparisons
When comparing two things, ensure the elements being compared are grammatically similar.
- Incorrect: I prefer reading books to watch movies.
- Correct: I prefer reading books to watching movies. (Gerund vs. Gerund)
- Correct: I prefer to read books rather than to watch movies. (Infinitive vs. Infinitive)
Compound Predicates
When a subject performs multiple actions, the verbs describing those actions should be parallel.
- Incorrect: He ran across the field and has jumped over the fence.
- Correct: He ran across the field and jumped over the fence. (Both are simple past tense verbs)
Correlative Conjunctions
Pairs like "either...or," "neither...nor," "both...and," and "not only...but also" require parallel elements following them.
- Incorrect: She is not only intelligent but also very kind.
- Correct: She is not only intelligent but also very kind. (Adjective vs. Adjective)
- Incorrect: We will either go to the park or to the museum.
- Correct: We will either go to the park or visit the museum. (Verb phrase vs. Verb phrase)
Identifying and Correcting Parallel Structure Errors
Errors in parallel structure often occur when writers mix different grammatical forms within a sentence. The key is to identify the core elements that should be parallel and ensure they share the same form.
Step 1: Identify the Parallel Elements
Look for conjunctions (and, but, or), correlative conjunctions, and comparison words (than, as). These often signal where parallel structure is intended.
Step 2: Determine the Grammatical Form of the First Element
Once you've identified the elements that should be parallel, look at the first one. Is it a noun, a gerund (-ing form used as a noun), an infinitive (to + verb), a verb in a specific tense, or an adjective?
Step 3: Ensure Subsequent Elements Match
Check if the following elements in the series or comparison use the same grammatical form. If they don't, you'll need to revise them.
Example Breakdown:
"The politician promised to lower taxes, to create jobs, and to improve education."
- Parallel Elements: "to lower taxes," "to create jobs," "to improve education"
- First Element Form: Infinitive phrase ("to lower taxes")
- Subsequent Elements Match: "to create jobs" and "to improve education" are also infinitive phrases. This sentence has correct parallel structure.
Now, let's look at an incorrect version and fix it:
"The politician promised to lower taxes, creating jobs, and that he would improve education."
- Parallel Elements (intended): "to lower taxes," "creating jobs," "that he would improve education"
- First Element Form: Infinitive phrase ("to lower taxes")
- Subsequent Elements Mismatch:
"creating jobs" is a gerund phrase. "that he would improve education" is a noun clause.
Correction Options:
- Option 1 (All Infinitives): "The politician promised to lower taxes, to create jobs, and to improve education."
- Option 2 (All Gerunds): "The politician promised lowering taxes, creating jobs, and improving education."
- Option 3 (All Noun Clauses): "The politician promised that he would lower taxes, that he would create jobs, and that he would improve education." (This sounds a bit clunky, but is grammatically parallel).
The choice depends on the desired emphasis and stylistic flow. Option 1 is generally the most concise and common.
Advanced Applications of Parallel Structure
Parallelism isn't just for simple lists. It's a powerful tool for crafting more sophisticated sentences and arguments.
Balanced Sentences
Parallel structure can be used to create balanced, impactful statements.
- "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country." (John F. Kennedy)
* Here, two imperative clauses are balanced: "[Ask not] what your country can do for you" and "[ask] what you can do for your country."
Antithesis
This is a literary device that uses parallel structure to contrast opposing ideas.
- "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Charles Dickens)
* The parallel structure of two noun phrases ("the best of times," "the worst of times") highlights the stark contrast between them.
Series of Clauses
When you have multiple independent or dependent clauses that are related, making them parallel can create a powerful rhythm and structure.
- Incorrect: She went to the store, she bought some milk, and then she returned home.
- Correct: She went to the store, bought some milk, and returned home. (All simple past tense verbs)
- Correct: When you are tired, when you are hungry, and when you are stressed, you are more likely to make poor decisions. (Series of adverbial clauses)
Tips for Using Parallel Structure Effectively
- Read Aloud: This is one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing and lack of parallelism. Your ear will often tell you when something sounds "off."
- Be Consistent: Once you choose a grammatical form for a series, stick with it.
- Vary Sentence Structure: While parallelism adds rhythm, don't make every sentence parallel. Mix it up to keep your writing dynamic.
- Use as a Tool for Revision: If a sentence feels clunky or unclear, check if parallel structure can improve it.
When to Seek Assistance
Mastering grammatical nuances like parallel structure takes practice. For students and professionals who want to ensure their academic papers, reports, or professional documents are polished and error-free, professional editing services can be invaluable. EssayMatrix offers expert writing, editing, and AI humanization to help you achieve clarity and impact in your work.
Conclusion
Parallel structure is a fundamental element of effective writing. By understanding its principles and practicing its application, you can significantly enhance the clarity, flow, and impact of your own writing. Whether you're crafting an essay, a presentation, or any other written communication, paying attention to parallelism will elevate your message.