Parallel Structure
Parallel structure
One use of a conjunction is to connect words or phrases that
have the same grammatical function in a sentence. This use of
conjunctions is called “ parallel structure.”.
The conjunctions used in this pattern are and , but, or, and nor.
These words are called “ coordinating Conjunction.”
Ex:
She did not buy the book, nor use it for her class.
Zuhal did not read the manual, nor use it as a reference.
Noun+ and+ noun
Ex: Frahnaz and her friend are coming to dinner.
Ex: frahnaz and sabira are coming to dinner.
Verb+ and + verb
Ex:
Monira raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
adjective+ But + adjective
Ex:
These shoes are old but comfortable. Are these shoes old or
Comfortable ?.
infinitive+ or + infinitive
Ex:
Zuhal wants to watch TV or to listen to some music.
Note: (for the second part “to” is usually omitted)
Zuhal wants to watch TV or ( to) listen to some music.
Using commas
No commas are used when “and” connects two parts of a parallel
structure.
Ex:
Nazifa and Monira are in class.
Frahnaz and Sabira are in the home.
When “and” Connects three or more parts of a parallel structure, a
comma Is used between the first items in the series.
Ex:
Monira, Sabira, and Zuhl are in the class.
Note: a comma often represents a pause in speech.
Clauses, connecting the with And &
But
Punctuation:
A period, not a comma, is used to separate two independent clauses.
Ex:
It was raining hard outside, there was a strong wind. ( incorrect)
It was raining hard outside. There was a strong wind. ( CORRECT)
AND & BUT are often used to connect two
independent clauses.
Ex:
It was raining hard outside, and there was a strong wind.
Punctuation:
It was raining hard outside. And there was a strong wind.
ex:
It was late, but he did not care.
It was late. But he did not care.
It was late. He did not care.
Paired conjunctions either .. Or neither…
nor but…..and not only… but also
Two subject connected by both…. And take plural verb.
Ex:
Both monira and nazifa are my students.
When two subjects are connected buy not only… but also - either…
or- neither… nor , the subject that is closer to the verb determines
whether the verb is singular or plural.
Ex:
Not only my mother but also my brother …. Here. Is
are
Either my mom or my brothers ….. Pay attention to me. Do not
dose not
Home work:
Both + noun+ and+ noun
Not only + noun+ but aslo + noun
Either+ noun + or+ noun
Neither + adjective+ not+ adjective