parallelism
Understanding Parallel Structure
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.
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, attend the rodeo, and
take afternoon naps
With Correlative Conjunctions When you connect two
clauses or phrases with a correlative conjunction (not only…
but also, either…or, neither…nor, if…then, 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 likes not only to play fetch, but also
to chase cars.
With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison: When you
connect two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison,
such as than or as, use parallel structure. 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
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 Not Parallel: My best friend took me dancing and
to a show.
Parallel: My best friend took me to a dance and a show.
With Lists: When you are comparing items in a list, use
parallel structure.
Example Not Parallel: John Taylor Gatto criticizes public
schools because they are compulsory, funded by the
government, and destroy students' humanity.
Parallel: John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because
they are compulsory, government funded, and normalizing.
OR John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they
require students to attend, receive money from the
government, and destroy students' humanity.
