Proper use of Parallel Structure
Proper Use of Parallel Structure
Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists.
Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet. Some examples of this include:
- Correct: Every morning, we make
our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog.
Incorrect: Every morning, we make our bed, eating breakfast and feed the dog. - Correct: I will not sing a
song, nor will I dance.
Incorrect: I will not sing a song, nor dance.
In addition to coordinating conjunctions, parallel structure is also used with correlative conjunctions such as: either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also. Some examples of this use include:
- Correct: They argued not only
about the article, but also about the review.
Incorrect: They argued not only about the article, but they argued also about the review. - Correct: Either she likes to
see him or she doesn't like to see him.
Incorrect: Either she likes to see him or doesn't like seeing him.
Parallel structure should be used with infinitives. Some examples of parallel structure with infinitives:
- Correct: Ashley likes to ski,
to swim and to jump rope.
Incorrect: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and jump ropes. - Correct: She likes to dance and
to sing songs.
Incorrect: She likes dancing and to sing songs.
Be consistent and use parallel structure with words that end in -ing. Some examples of parallel structure of words that end in -ing:
- Correct: Joe likes running,
walking and being active.
Incorrect: Joe likes running, walking and outdoor activities. - Correct: We enjoy relaxing and
sitting out in the sun.
Incorrect: We enjoy relaxing and like to sit out in the sun.
Parallel structure should be used when writing clauses. Some examples of clauses using parallel structure are:
- Correct: The teacher told them
that they need to study and that they should practice their words every
night.
Incorrect: The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night. - Correct: My parents said get a
good education and do not settle for less.
Incorrect: My parents said to get a good education and not settle for less.
Some more examples of parallel structure include:
- Correct: Mary wanted to make
sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and
persuasively.
Incorrect: Mary wanted to make sure she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuaded others. - Correct: Tim was considered to
be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated
and he was a good leader.
Incorrect: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and led the team well.