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Parallel Writing

The document discusses maintaining parallel structure in writing. It explains that words, phrases, and clauses should be parallel when listing items. Words should use the same part of speech and verb tense. Phrases should use the same type, such as prepositional or infinitive. Clauses should also be parallel, using the same voice and structure. Examples are provided of non-parallel and parallel constructions.

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Claire B.L.
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137 views12 pages

Parallel Writing

The document discusses maintaining parallel structure in writing. It explains that words, phrases, and clauses should be parallel when listing items. Words should use the same part of speech and verb tense. Phrases should use the same type, such as prepositional or infinitive. Clauses should also be parallel, using the same voice and structure. Examples are provided of non-parallel and parallel constructions.

Uploaded by

Claire B.L.
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parallel Writing

using similar patterns of words to create more balanced, readable sentences. there are three areas in which your writing should be parallel: Words, phrases, and clauses.

Words Parts of speech: When you are listing several words or phrases, be sure to use the same parts of speech. If you start with an -ing word (in this case, a gerund), continue listing ing words: Not Parallel: Bill enjoyed drinking, smoking, and sleep. Parallel: Bill enjoyed drinking, smoking, and sleeping.

Verb Tense: In addition, changing verb tense will make your sentence unparallel. If you start in past tense, stay in past tense: Not Parallel: Joe biked, ran, and swims during the triathlon. Parallel: Joe biked, ran, and swam during the triathlon.

Phrases
Phrase Type: Do not mix phrases when you list a series of ideas. If you start with prepositional phrases, continue using prepositional phrases; if you start with infinitive phrases (to + verb), continue with infinitive phrases. Do not switch to words, other kinds of phrases, or clauses:
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 reports 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 reports in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.

With infinitive phrases Not Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and riding a bicycle.
Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.

Clauses A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue using clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
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. 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 warm-up exercises before the game.

Not Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (last clause is passive) Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions. (all clauses are active)

Lists after a colon


Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. (last clause is a gerund)

Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs. (all clauses are plural nouns)

if you start with dependent clauses, stay with dependent clauses: Not Parallel: I am only late for work when the cat gets sick on the carpet, if the dog breaks loose from his leash, and occasions that I get pulled over by the police. Parallel: I am only late for work when the cat gets sick on the carpet, if the dog breaks loose from his leash, and after the police pull me over for speeding.

In addition, changing voice (active to passive or vice versa) will make your sentence unparallel: Not Parallel: Joe expected that he would finish the triathlon in the top ten, break his personal time record, and that sponsors would be pleased by his performance. Parallel: Joe expected that he would finish the triathlon in the top ten, break his personal time record, and please sponsors with his performance.

Examples of Parallel Structure Exercises


Identify and correct the mistakes in parallel structure in the following sentences. Alex decided to get up early, go jogging, eat a healthy breakfast and got ready for school. I wish he would listen to his father, take his advice, and applied for a job. James stopped smoking, drinking and to eat too much. Jason invited Tim, her, they and Peter to the wedding. He is an articulate, thoughtful, and meaningfully speaker. Alexander did her homework, cleaned her room, but doesn't play the piano. The politicians hope to clean up, and modernizing this city. Eating healthy food, drinking lots of water and get exercise improves your quality of life. The teachers had graded the tests, completed the reports and meeting with parents before they went on summer vacation. Sheila misses seeing Tom, going on long walks with her friends, and played football.

The Answers:
Alex decided to get up early, go jogging, eat a healthy breakfast and get ready for school. I wish he would listen to his father, take his advice, and apply for a job. James stopped smoking, drinking and to eating too much. Jason invited Tim, her, them and Peter to the wedding. He is an articulate, thoughtful, and meaningful speaker. Alexander did her homework, cleaned her room, but didn't play the piano. The politicians hope to clean up, and modernize this city. Eating healthy food, drinking lots of water and getting exercise improves your quality of life. The teachers had graded the tests, completed the reports and met with parents before they went on summer vacation. Sheila misses seeing Tom, going on long walks with her friends, and playing football.

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