Using Parallel
Structures In A
Sentence
Parallelism
Parallelism refers to using a similar pattern of words, clauses,
phrases, sentence structure, or other grammatical elements
to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal
importance. Words and phrases within a sentence should not
only match in structure, but also in tense. Writers use parallel
structure to add clarity to their writing, make it easier to
understand and show that their writing is structurally and
grammatically correct.
Rules in Parallel Structures
1. USE PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH
ELEMENTS JOINED BY COORDINATING
CONJUNCTIONS : (FANBOYS) for, and,
nor, or, but, or, yet, so in a sentence.
Every morning, we make our bed,
eat breakfast and feed the dog.
I will not sing a song, nor will I
dance.
Incorrect Examples and Explanation:
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.)
Rules in Parallel Structures
A. Parallel Structures with Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Correct Example: 1.) Joe likes running,
walking and being active.
2.) We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the sun.
Incorrect Examples: 1.) 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.)
Rules in Parallel Structures
With infinitive phrases: Correct Example : Mary
likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle. (You
can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or
only before the first one.)
Rules in Parallel Structures
With adverbs (Adverbs are used to describe a verb
or another adverb).
Correct Example: The production manager was
asked to write his report
quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Incorrect Examples: The production manager was asked to
write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Rules in Parallel Structures
With verbs- Correct Examples: The teacher said
that he was a poor student because he waited until
the last minute to study for the exam, completed
his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked
motivation.
Incorrect Examples: The teacher said that he was a poor
student because he waited until the last minute to study for
the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner,
and his motivation was low.
Rules in Parallel Structures
B. Parallel Structure with Clauses A clause is a group of words
that has both a subject and a predicate. Every complete
sentence is made up of at least one clause. 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.
Correct Example 1:
a.The teacher told them that
they need to study and that
they should practice their
words every night.
b. My parents said get a good
Incorrect Examples and Explanation:
a. 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.")
b. My parents said to get a good education
and not settle for less. (Here, the word
"to" should be included before "not" in
Correct Example 2:
The salesman expected that he would
present his product at the meeting, that he
would have time to show his slide
presentation, and that prospective buyers
would ask him questions.
Incorrect Example: The salesman expected
that he would present his product at the
meeting, that he would have time to show
Rules in Parallel Structures
2. USE PARALLEL STRUCTURE WITH ELEMENTS
IN LISTS OR IN A SERIES
Correct Example: The tribes emphasized collective survival, mutual aid,
and responsibility for one another during calamities.
Incorrect Example: The tribes emphasized collective survival, mutual aid,
and being responsible for one another during calamities.
Rules in Parallel Structures
Parallel Structure in Lists With Colons 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.
Correct Example: 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.
Rules in Parallel Structures
B. Parallel Structure in Other Lists
Correct Examples:
1.) Mary wanted to make sure that she made her
presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively.
2.) Tim was considered to be a good employee because
he was always on time, he was very motivated and he
was a good leader.
Rules in Parallel Structures
3. USE PARALLEL STRUCTURE WHEN
COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
ELEMENTS (X IS MORE THAN / BETTER
THAN Y OE x IS LESS THAN Y).
Correct Example 1: I like swimming
better than diving. Incorrect Example:
I like swimming better than to dive.
Correct Example 2: (The same rule
applies to pairs connected by a word
of comparison, such as over, than or
as.)
1. He prefers movie nights at home
over loud house parties.
Rules in Parallel Structures
A. Parallel structure should be used with infinitives (to +
verb)
Correct Examples:
1.) Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump.
2.) She likes to dance and to sing songs.
Incorrect Examples: 1.) 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)
2.) She likes dancing and to sing
songs. (This should pair "to
dance" with "to sing" so the
B. Parallel Structure in Verb Tense
Correct Examples:
1.) She wrote a letter and mailed it to
the school.
2.) Yesterday we watched a movie,
played video games and made pizza.
A. 1. The symposium explained
how to respond quickly,
appearing capable, and how to
ask for help.
B. 2. The symposium explained
how to respond quickly, how to
appear capable, and how to ask
B.
1. Judith dislikes people who
are rude, selfish, and they are
self-centered.
2. Judith dislikes people who
are rude, selfish, and self-
centered.
C.
1. Not only did I have to run 30 km, but I also
had to cross the bridge.
2. I not only had to run 30 km but also cross
the bridge.
1. The politician responded to the question
both promptly and cleverly.
2. The politician both gave a prompt response
and a clever one to the question.
C.
1. Not only did I have to run 30 km, but I also
had to cross the bridge.
2. I not only had to run 30 km but also cross
the bridge.
C.
1. Not only did I have to run 30 km, but I also
had to cross the bridge.
2. I not only had to run 30 km but also cross
the bridge.
