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Parallel Structure
201
Parallel Structure
By: Kevin Holguin, Heaven Castillo,
Sophia Martin
Parallel Structure
Scholarly Definition
"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.""
Definition
Our Definition
Parallel Structure is when a similar pattern of words is made to display multiple ideas as having an equivalent amount of significance.
Example 1
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Examples
Example 2
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Example 2
Example 3
Sharks are large, damp, and dangerous.
Example 3
Non-Example 1
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Non-Examples
Non-Example 2
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Non-Example 2
Non-Example 3
Sharks are large, damp, and not to be trifled with.
Non-Example 3
Parallel Structure Characteristics
The characteristics of Parallel Structure include:
- Active vs. Passive
- Infinitive vs. Other Verb Forms
- List of Individual Terms vs. Longer Phrases
- Words should harmonize
- Examples: I love fishing, skiing, and rock-climbing. The cake was baked, frosted, and sprinkled.
- Non-Examples: I love fishing, skiing, and to climb rocks. The cake was baked, frosted, and I put sprinkles on it.
Characteristics
Rules and Hints
Rules on Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with certain words:
1) Joined by coordinating conjunctions.
2) In lists or in a series.
3) Compared and contrasted to other words.
4) Joined by a correlative conjuction.
Hints on Parallel Structure
1) Figure out what parts of the sentences being compared.
2) Decide whether they are parallel, or arranged/constructed in the same way.
3) If they are not, make them parallel by making the grammatical construction the same in each part.
Importance
Importance of Parallel Structure
Using Parallel Structure provides rhythm to a sentence. Without it, a sentence may seem unbalanced and without proper flow. It stabilizes ideas and establishes a clearer understanding to the reader/audience.
Work
Cited
Work Cited
- Kraiser, Written by Katelin. "Katelin Kraiser." Writing Commons, writingcommons.org/chapters/style/sentence-contruction/541-use-parallel-structure-.
- "Welcome to the Purde OWL." Purdue OWL: Parallel Stucture, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/623/1/.
- “Parallel Sessions.” The European Journal of Health Economics, vol. 3, no. Supplement 1: Book of Abstracts, Fourth European Conference on Health Economics, Paris 7-10 July 2002, 1 Jan. 2002, www.evergreen.edu/sites/default/files/writingcenter/handouts/grammar/parallel.pdf.
- “Usage.” Parallel Structure, 0ADAD, webapps.towson.edu/ows/parallelism.htm.