Parallel Structure

PARALLEL STRUCTURE

  Understanding Parallel Structure

Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. 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. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.

Lists Of Words, Phrases and Clauses

When ideas are presented in a series or a list, the same parts of speech should be used to ensure parallel structure. This applies whether the list consists of single words, phrases or clauses—single words should be balanced with single words, phrases with phrases and clauses with clauses.

a.      Words

Single words should be matched with single words of the same type (e.g. all nouns, all adverbs, and all adjectives).

Example:

·         Nouns:

Erza and her friend are coming to dinner.

·         Adverbs:

The lecturer asked the students to speak in tutorials clearly and politely.

·         Adjectives:

These shoes are old but comfortable.

·         Verbs:

Lucy raised her hand and snapped her fingers.

·         Infinitive:

Mary likes to walk or (to) ride her bike to work.

·         Gerund:

Mary likes hiking and bicycling.

b.      Phrases

Groups of words (phrases) should be matched with word groups of the same pattern (e.g.: noun phrases, adverb phrases, gerund phrases, and infinitive phrases).

Example:

·         Noun phrases:

That florist sells various kinds of flowers, such as red rose, white jasmine, and purple orchid.

·         Adverb phrases:

Peter and Tim will probably arrive in less than an hour and in time for the meeting.

·         Gerund phrases:

He enjoys playing tennis and working out.

·         Infinitive phrases:

She advised me to find some new friends and (to) forget about the event.

c.       Clauses

Clauses should be matched with clauses of the same pattern. 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:

·         I remember what he has said and what he has done to me.

·         The lecturer expected that the students would present the seminar, that they would use PowerPoint presentation and that the class would ask questions.

Using Parallel Structure

a.      With Coordinating Conjunctions

When we connect two or more clauses or phrases with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so), we use parallel structure.

1.      And

And shows addition or connect equal similar ideas.

e.g.: Your oral presentation should use PowerPoint slides and it should be submitted to lecturer.

2.      But

But connects equal different ideas.

e.g.: She failed the essay but she passed the final exam.

3.      Yet

Yet connects equal contrasting ideas.

e.g.: Her oral presentation was good, yet her essay was poor.

4.      For

For connects a reason to result.

e.g.: the students did not pass the exam, for they did not study last night.

5.      So

So connects a result to reason.

e.g.: Milley is a genius girl, so she can pass the exam easily.

6.      Or

Or connects two equal choices.

e.g.: Stane can choose to continue his study at Harvard or he can work in Apple Corp.

7.      Nor

Nor connects two negatives ideas.

e.g.: Milla and I do not like rock music, nor do we like thriller movies.

b.      With Correlative Conjunctions

When we connect two clauses or phrases with a correlative conjunction (not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, whether …. or, etc.), we use parallel structure.

Example:

• I need to borrow both English dictionary and English grammar.
• I must collect both grammar assignment and dictation task this week to the lecturer.
• The students were not only hard-working, but also community-minded.
• I don’t know whether to accept his offer or refuse it.
•  The tasks need to be either submitted electronically or posted to the university assessment centre.
• Alicia wore neither the red gown nor her white dress to the prom.
• Taylor comes neither to attend the meeting nor to join the presentation.

c.       With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison

When we connect two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison, such as than or as….as, we use parallel structure.

·         Than is used to state that something is more than the other.

Example:

-          I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid.

-          Learning at university is more difficult than studying at high school.

·         As……as is used to compare two things that similar to each other.

      Example:

-          Writing assignments is as important as sitting for exams.

d.      With Lists

When we are comparing items in a list, we use parallel structure.

Example:

-          John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they are compulsory, government-funded, and normalizing.

-          John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they require students to attend, receive money from the government, and destroy students' humanity.

Now, let's check your understanding about Parallel Structure by doing the exercises below. Good luck, guys! ;)

 Exercises

EXERCISE 1

Directions : Underline the parallel structure in each sentence and give the pattern that is used, as shown in the examples.

Example: The old man is extremely kind and generous. 

adjective + and + adjective

1. She spoke angrily and bitterly about the war.
2. I hope to go to that university and study under Dr. Liu.
3. He will leave at eight and arrive at nine.
4. He received a pocket calculator and a wool sweater for his birthday.

 EXERCISE 2

Directions: Parallel structure makes repeating the same words unnecessary. Combine the given sentences into one concise sentence that contains parallel structure. Punctuate carefully.

Example: Lucy opened the door. Lucy greeted her guests.

                  Lucy opened the door and greeted her guests.

1. He gave her flowers on Sunday. He gave her candy on Monday. He gave her a ring on Tuesday.
2. While we were in New York, we attended an opera. While we were in New York, we ate at marvelous restaurants. While we were in New York, we visited some old friends.
3. Keane did not continue his study to university. He did not look for a job.
4. Natsu is kind. Natsu is generous. Natsu is trustworthy.

EXERCISE 3

Directions: Correct the errors.

1. The pioneers labored to clear away the forest and planting crops.
2. When I refused to help her, she became very angry and shout at me.
3. With their keen sight, fine hearing, and they have a refined sense of smell, wolves hunt elk, deer, moose, and caribou.
4. The Indian cobra snake and the king cobra use poison from their fangs in two ways: by injecting it directly into their prey or they spit it into the eyes of the victim.