Parallel Contructio

n

is making similar parts of your writing follow the same

pattern. These parts need to be presented in parallel form.

Parallel construction

It may help to think of parallel lines. Parallel lines are lines

that never cross because they are at the same angle. The same is true for writing. Parallel construction means words are in the same form.

With Coordinating Conjunctions

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

Example

• Not Parallel: My parents took me dancing and to a show.

• Parallel: My parents took me to a dance and a show.

With Correlative Conjunctions

When you connect two clauses or phrases with a correlative conjunction (not only…but also, either…or, neither…nor, if…then, etc.), use parallel construction.

Example – Not Parallel: My cat not only likes to play fetch, but

also chase cars.

– Parallel: My cat not only likes to play fetch, but he also likes to chase cars.

OR My cat likes not only to play fetch, but

also to chase cars.

With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison

When you connect two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison, such as than or as, use parallel construction.

Example • Not Parallel: I would rather pay for my

education than be getting financial aid.

• Parallel: I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid.

With Lists

When you are comparing items in a list, use parallel construction.

Example – Not Parallel: Sahid needed to go to the

store to get milk, and he also had to buy eggs, and he was going to get oranges too.

– Parallel: Sahid needed to go to the store to get milk, eggs, and oranges.

Remember the basic concept of parallel construction is to have similar parts of writing in the

same format.

This can get a little complicated as the construction gets more

complicated.

Think about it….

Make sure each item in a series has the same construction!

• Not parallel: Superbugs are adapting, spreading, and kill

thousands.• Parallel: Superbugs are adapting,

spreading, and killing thousands

• Not parallel: Sarah likes to swim, read, and to run.

• Parallel: Sarah likes to swim, to read, and to run.

• Not parallel: There was a shoe, shirt, and a sock on the bed.

• Parallel: There was a shoe, a shirt, and a sock on the bed.

Which one is parallel & why?

A. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and to play a game of cards.

B. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and to play cards.

C. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and playing a game of cards.

The correct answer is C because all three verbs end in –ing.

A. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and to play a game of cards.

B. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and to play cards.

C. Justin was excited about inviting friends over, eating a good meal, and playing a game of cards.

What is the best way to revise sentence A? If it is correct as it is, choose A.

A. Inez heard the phone ringing, answered it, and is taking a message.

B. Inez heard the phone ringing, went to answer it, and is taking a message.

C. Inez heard the phone ringing, answered it, and took a message

C is correct because it uses past tense for all three verbs. The other choices contain verb structures that are not parallel.

A. Inez heard the phone ringing, answered it, and is taking a message.

B. Inez heard the phone ringing, went to answer it, and is taking a message.

C. Inez heard the phone ringing, answered it, and took a message.

Disusun Oleh

Winda Saraswati Eva Rosdiana