Sec 1 English Language Name : Reg No :( )

Handout 10 Date : Class : ...

Parallel Structure
Understanding Parallel Structure Parallel structure (also called parallelism) 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." By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction. Parallel structure adds clarity to your writing as it increases the readability of your writing by creating word patterns that your readers can follow easily. Example Not parallel: Ellen likes hiking, the rodeo and to take afternoon naps. Parallel: Ellen likes hiking, attending the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps. OR Ellen likes to hike, to attend the rodeo, and to take afternoon naps. OR Ellen likes to hike, attend the rodeo, and take afternoon naps.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

Using Parallel Structure 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 structure. Example 1: Not parallel: My best friend took me dancing and to a show. Parallel: My best friend took me to a dance and a show. TKGS 2012 1

Sec 1 English Language Example 2:

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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. With Correlative Conjunctions When you connect two clauses or phrases with a correlative conjunction (not onlybut also, eitheror, neithernor, ifthen, etc.), use parallel structure. Example: Not parallel: My dog not only likes to play fetch, but also chase cars. Parallel: My dog not only likes to play fetch, but he also likes to chase cars. _____OR My dog not only likes to play fetch, but also to chase cars. With Clauses A sentence 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: 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.

TKGS 2012

Sec 1 English Language

Handout 10

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 warmup exercises before the game. _____OR 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. With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison When connecting two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison, such as than or as, parallel structure should be used. Example: Not parallel: I would rather pay for my education than financial aid. Parallel: I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid. With Lists When comparing items in a list, be sure to keep all the elements in the list in the same grammatical form. Example: Not parallel: As a satire, Animal Farm is amusing, raises awareness of political issues and gives an interesting perspective of a lopsided world where animals take over. Parallel: As a satire, Animal Farm amuses, raises awareness of political issues and gives an interesting perspective of a lopsided world where animals take over.

TKGS 2012

Sec 1 English Language Exercise

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Some helpful hints on how to revise sentences for parallel structure: 1. Figure out which parts of sentences are being compared. 2. Decide whether they are parallel i.e. arranged or constructed in the same way. 3. Make them parallel by making the grammatical construction the same in each part of the sentence. Read and revise the following sentences to reflect parallel structure. Remember that there are many ways to revise a sentence to reflect parallel structure; if possible, rewrite each sentence in more than one way. 1. I would rather eat potatoes than to eat rice.

.. .. 2. It is harder to do long division than dividing with a calculator.

.. .. 3. In the restroom, Latoya was brushing her hair, freshened her lip-gloss, and took deep breaths, trying to work up the courage to walk to her first speech class.

.. .. 4. Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmonds basement.

.. .. 5. Neither scowling from her neighbors nor the disapproval of her husband will deter Larissa from painting her house hot pink with orange and white trim.

.. .. 6. On school mornings, Rachel can sleep through anything, even with the

TKGS 2012

Sec 1 English Language

Handout 10

alarm clock buzzing or when her mother bangs on the bedroom door. .. .. 7. Mark looked under the bed, in the hamper, and he even searched his brothers closet, but he could not find his favorite University of Florida Tshirt.

.. .. 8. Leron scowled at Mrs Lin, was muttering under her breath and sighed heavily, but in truth she loved taking Algebra tests.

.. .. 9. At the family reunion, we ate Grandmas barbecued ribs, Aunt Sallys potato salad, and heaping plates of jiggling banana jelly prepared by Cousin Sue.

.. .. 10. Jesher thinks Sumei is the most beautiful woman in Katong, so he has no interest in dating either Annie or going out with Simone. .. ..

TKGS 2012