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Parallel Structure
Brought to you by the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.
For more information about sentence structure, see our workshop on this
topic at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_sentclar.html.
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two
or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the
word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures
is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or
"or." (For more information on coordinating conjunctions, see
our handout at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_clause.html.
1. Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
- Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases:
- Parallel: Mary likes to hike,
to swim, and to
ride a bicycle.
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim,
and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in
a sentence or only before the first one.)
For more information on gerunds and infinitives, see our handout at
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_verbals.html.
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
- Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and to
ride a bicycle.
- Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and riding
a bicycle.
Example 2
- Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his
report quickly, accurately,
and in a detailed manner.
- Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his
report quickly, accurately,
and thoroughly.
Example 3
- Not Parallel: 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.
- Parallel: 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.
2. Clauses
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.
Example 1
- Not Parallel: The coach told the players that
they should get a lot of sleep,
that they should not eat
too much, and to do some
warm-up exercises before the game.
- Parallel: The coach told the players that
they should get a lot of sleep, that
they should not eat too much,
and that they should do
some warm-up exercises before the game.
- -- or --
- Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get
a lot of sleep, not eat
too much, and do some
warm-up exercises before the game.
Example 2
- Not Parallel: The salesman expected that
he would present his product at the meeting, that
there would be time for him to show his slide presentation,
and that questions would be asked
by prospective buyers.
(passive)
- Parallel: The salesman expected that
he would present his product at the meeting, that
there would be time for him to show his slide presentation,
and that prospective buyers would ask
him questions.
3. Lists after a colon
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Example 1
- Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes:
to find word meanings, pronunciations,
correct spellings, and looking
up irregular verbs.
- Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes:
to find word meanings, pronunciations,
correct spellings, and
irregular verbs.
Proofreading Strategies to try:
- Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each
side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If
not, make them parallel.
- If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if
they are parallel.
- Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared.
Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series
of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being
repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound,
check to see if it needs to be made parallel.
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