Charles

Charles

Rules of Parallel Structure from Warriner English Composition and Grammar

Parallelism in sentence structure exists when two or more sentence elements of equal rank are similarly expressed. To create clarity and rhythm in a sentence, it is important to express similar ideas in similar grammatical forms. For example, pair an adjective with an adjective, a prepositional phrase with a prepositional phrase, and a noun clause with a noun clause. When you use the same grammatical form for similar ideas, you create parallel structure.
KINDS OF PARALLEL STRUCTURE
There are three sentence elements that commonly require parallel treatment: coordinated ideas, compared and contrasted ideas, and correlative constructions.

Coordinate Ideas
Coordinate ideas are equal in rank. They are joined by coordinate connectives. The coordinate connectives most often used in parallel structure and, but, or, and nor.
To express parallel ideas in the same grammatical form, pair one part of speech with the same part of speech, a verbal with the same kind of verbal, a phrase with a phrase, a clause with a clause. Do not pair unlike grammatical forms.
FAULTY The committee studied all aspects of the problem-humane, political, and cost. [The adjectives humane and political are paired with the noun cost.]
PARALLEL The committee studied all aspects of the problem-humane, political, and financial. [All three coordinate elements are adjectives.]
FAULTY According to my teacher, my composition revealed exceptional creative ability but that I make too many spelling errors. [noun paired with clause]
PARALLEL According to my teacher, my composition revealed exceptional creative ability but too many spelling errors. [noun paired with noun]
PARALLEL According to my teacher, my composition revealed that I have exceptional creative ability but that I make too many spelling errors. [clause paired with clause]
FAULTY Amanda's favorite forms of exercise are swimming and to run. [gerund...

Similar Essays