Parallelism

Definition Why Use it

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

Parallel structure adds both clout and clarity to your writing. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily

What is Parallelism

Effects of Parallelism

It makes a good impression on your readers, especially experienced readers and writers, because the use of parallel structure is always obvious.

It gives organization to your writing. It emphasizes ideas and draws attention to

ideas The reader can quickly process information

and see relationships between ideas. It guides readers through your ideas.

Creating Parallel Structure

All items in a series should have the same structure to help the reader quickly process information. 

If one element is an adjective, then all elements should be adjectives; if one element is a noun, then all elements should be nouns; if one element is a verb, then all elements should be verbs, and so forth.  Take a look at the examples below:1.  The children are energetic and noisy.  = adjective + adjective2.  She bought a skirt and a blouse. = noun + noun3.  He walked slowly and confidently to the witness stand.  = adverb + adverbWhen items in a series do not have the same form, the sentence will sound awkward and out of balance.  

Not parallel structure Parallel Structure

I would rather go to a different restaurant than waiting in this long line. 

He thought that he would rather pay for the ticket than filing a legal co

Taking a fieldtrip to a museum can give you many benefits: to learn the educational concept in a hands-on method, to engage your classmates in a more informal setting, and you can make a connection between the community and the classroom.

I would rather go to a different restaurant than wait in this long line. 

He thought that he would rather pay for the ticket than file a leg

Taking a fieldtrip to a museum can give you the benefits of learning the educational concept in a hands-on method, engaging your classmates in a more informal setting, and making a connection between the community and the classroom. 

Comparison of Usage

Revising to create parallel structure...

An easy way to check for parallel structure in a piece of writing, whether that structure is between words, phrases, clauses, or paragraphs in an essay, is to think of the core idea in the structure as the trunk of a tree, and each parallel item as a branch off that trunk; once you find the trunk, follow the trunk line to each of the branches directly, checking to ensure that the trunk connects strongly (and correctly) to each branch as illustrated in the diagram below:

Examples

See below how parallelism was used in these two speeches:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. " - John F. Kennedy

"Today's students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude. " - Reverend Jesse Jackson

Practice

Parallelism Practice:

http://aliscot.com/bigdog/parallel_exercise.htm