Parallelism

What is parallelism?
o Parallelism means using similar structures to
express similar ideas.
o Parallel structures make sentences clearer and
easier to read.
o Editing for parallel structure helps you avoid
awkward sentences and keeps you from
breaking your promise to the reader.

Example:
I like to write, read, and studying.

Promise to
reader

Promise
broken

I like to write, to read and to study grammar.

Promis
e kept
I like writing, reading, and studying grammar.

Now you try. Which sentence is parallel?

o This semester Im studying art, music, and

taking a math course.
o This semester Im studying art, music, and
math.

Tip #1: Be sure that words and phrases joined by

coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or,
yet, so) are parallel.

o You can pay me now, or its okay if

you pay me later.

lel
l
a
ar
p
t
No

o You can pay me now or pay me later.

OK

o You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.

Tip #2: Watch words and phrases joined by

correlative conjunctions like bothand, eitheror,
and ratherthan.

o Both biology and medicine are good

professions.
o I would rather stay up late to finish this paper
than get up early in the morning.

Tip #3: Watch words and phrases in series or lists.

o In the workshop, I learned some good study

tips:
Not parallel
o How to take good notes
o Reading actively
o That its important to get enough sleep

o In the workshop, I learned some good study

tips:
o Take notes
OK
o Read actively
o Get enough sleep

To review parallel structure,

see Chapter 13.