Scribd
Upload
34 views13 pages

Parallel Structuire

Parallel structure refers to using the same grammatical form to express multiple ideas or information in a sentence. This emphasizes equal importance and maintains rhythm. If a sentence contains two or more pieces of information, the grammatical form of the first should be followed for the rest. Ideas are usually connected with coordinating conjunctions like "and." Examples demonstrate proper parallel structure using verbs, adverbs, nouns, and clauses at the word, phrase, and clause level. Breaking parallel structure disrupts rhythm and causes grammatical imbalance.

Uploaded by

mjume0801
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
34 views13 pages

Parallel Structuire

Parallel structure refers to using the same grammatical form to express multiple ideas or information in a sentence. This emphasizes equal importance and maintains rhythm. If a sentence contains two or more pieces of information, the grammatical form of the first should be followed for the rest. Ideas are usually connected with coordinating conjunctions like "and." Examples demonstrate proper parallel structure using verbs, adverbs, nouns, and clauses at the word, phrase, and clause level. Breaking parallel structure disrupts rhythm and causes grammatical imbalance.

Uploaded by

mjume0801
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

GRAMMAR

PARALLEL
STRUCTURES

B.L.VICTOR
Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen
grammatical form. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or
information given in the same sentence.

If there are two or more numbers of information in a sentence, the grammatical form of the first
information must be followed to express the remaining ideas. In a parallel structure, multiple information
is usually connected by coordinating conjunctions. A parallel structure can be constructed in word, phrase
or clause level in different sentences.
Examples:

Not Parallel: Bamirin likes swimming (noun), hiking (noun),


and to ride a motorcycle (phrase).
Parallel: Bamirin likes swimming(noun), hiking(noun), and
riding a motorcycle(noun)
Not Parallel: Mr. Amadi is a lawyer (noun), a
pastor (noun) and he teaches (clause).

Parallel: Mr. Amadi is a lawyer (noun), a pastor


(noun) and a teacher (noun).
Not Parallel: Students were asked to do their assignments quickly (adverb),
accurately (adverb), and in a detailed manner (phrase).

Parallel: Students were asked to do their assignments quickly (adverb),


accurately (adverb), and thoroughly (adverb).
Not Parallel: Dad told me that I should study a lot
(clause), that I should not eat fast food (clause), and to
maintain a strict routine before the exam (phrase).

Parallel: Dad told me that I should study a lot (clause),


that I should not eat fast food (clause), and that I should
maintain a strict routine before the exam (clause).
-or-
Dad told me that I should study a lot (phrase), not eat fast
food (phrase), and maintain a strict routine before the
exam (phrase).
Not Parallel: The soldiers approached the enemy
camp slowly (adverb) and silent (adjective).

Parallel: The soldiers approached the enemy camp slowly


(adverb) and silently (adverb)
Not Parallel: Mr Thomas expected that he would present his ideas at
the meeting (active), that there would be time for him to show his slide
presentation (active), and that he would be agreed by his partners
(passive).
Parallel: Mr Thomas expected that he would present his ideas at the
meeting (active), that there would be time for him to show his slide
presentation (active), and that his partners would agree with him
(active).
Not Parallel: I like to run (infinitive), swim (simple
form), and surfing (verb+ing).

Parallel: I like to run (infinitive), to swim (infinitive),


and to surf (infinitive).
-or-
I like running (verb+ing), fishing (verb+ing), and surfing
(verb+ing).
Not Parallel: This book contains poems which are romantic
(adjective), soothing (adjective), and can be enjoyed(passive
phrase)

Parallel: This book contains poems which are romantic


(adjective), soothing (adjective), and enjoyable (adjective).
Not Parallel: Eric joined the office
(past), worked hard (past), and is
getting a pay raise (present cont.)

Parallel: Eric joined the office


(past), worked hard (past), and got
a pay raise (past).
Note: But if it’s indicated in the sentence that different clauses happened at different times or will happen in
the future then, this rule of parallel structure is not needed to be followed.

For Example:
He is a player with great technical abilities, practices a lot, and will definitely play for a big club one day.

By using parallel structure, the rhythm of a sentence is ensured along with the grammatical balance. But if
this structure is not followed while constructing a sentence containing two or more information, then there
will be disruption of rhythm or grammatical imbalance in the sentence.

You might also like