Describe the pictures.
What is common among
them?
1 2
3
1. Parallel lines on the road
2. Parallel rails of a train
3. Line AB is parallel to Line DC/ Line AD is parallel to Line BC
or
Parallelism
Parallelism
The balance between two or more similar words,
phrases or clauses
is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two
or more parts of a sentence.
Parallel construction prevents awkwardness,
promotes clarity and improves writing style and
readability.
Rules of Parallelism
Parallel construction is most commonly used in
sentences containing elements that appear in a
series or in a pair. It is also applied to headings and
outlines in academic writing.
Parallel words
On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with
other adjectives, and so on.
When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an
infinitive (a verb beginning with to) with a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing)
breaks parallel structure.
PHRASE
isa group of word without both subject
and predicate.
Parallel Phrases
Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure.
For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.
-
As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not
mix phrases based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs.
Lists after a colon
A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.
Parallel construction in pairs
Use parallel construction when a sentence contains a pair of connected ideas.
Pairs can be connected by coordinating conjunctions, which
include and, nor, but, or and yet.
Use parallel structure when a pair of ideas are linked by a correlative conjunction,
such as not only…but also, either…or, and neither…nor.
The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such
as over, than or as.
Outlines and headings
Headings that divide a paper into sections should be parallel. Likewise, parallel
structure should be applied to elements in paper outlines.
QUIZ
DIRECTION: Decide whether the
sentence has parallel structure or
not.
1.She decided to leave her job and travelling
the world.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
2.He started the engine, released the hand
break, and checked the mirror.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
3. Some people think that being successful is
the same thing as to have money.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
4. Did you decide not to come because you are
tired or are you feeling sick?
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
5. She was disappointed by not only his clothes
but also his mannerisms.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
6. She wants neither the red one nor the
yellow one.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
7. When I wake up I like either walking the dog
or to go for a jog.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
8. I would describe her as intelligent, caring,
and thoughtful.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
9. He suggested that we go for a meal then we
should see a film.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
10.Spain is a place where you can eat cheap
food and soak up the sun.
PARALLEL
NOT PARRALLEL
11. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.
A.She likes to listen to music and reading the latest
novels.
B.She likes listening to music and reading the latest
novels.
12. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.
A.He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the
convenience store, and jogging every afternoon.
B.He spent his time studying Spanish. working at the
convenience store, and he jogged every afternoon.
13. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.
A.The dog was excited: running, barking, and he
chased after the boys.
B.The dog was excited: running, barking, and
chasing after the boys.
14. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.
A.The apartment was filled with old newspapers,
broken bottles, and the ashtrays were overflowing.
B.The apartment was filled with old newspapers,
broken bottles, and overflowing ashtrays.
15. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.
A.Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and
play the guitar.
B.Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and the
guitar.
ANSWER KEY
1. NOT PARALLEL 11. B
2. PARALLEL 12. A
3. NOT PARALLEL 13. B
4. NOT PARALLEL 14. A
5. PARALLEL 15. B
6. PARALLEL
7. NOT PARALLEL
8. PARALLEL
9. NOT PARALLEL
10. PARALLEL
Sources:
Luo, A. (October 10, 2022). Parallel Structure & Parallelism | Definition, Use &
Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from
https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/parallelism/
Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.).
Oxford University Press.
Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.
