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Parallel Structure
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or
more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word,
phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the
use of coordinating conjunctions
such as "and" or "or."
1. Words and Phrases
With the -ing
form (gerund) of words:
- Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive
phrases:
- Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to
swim, and to ride a
bicycle.
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim,
and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence
or only before the first one.)
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
- Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and to
ride a bicycle.
- Parallel: Mary likes hiking,
swimming, and riding
a bicycle.
Example 2
- Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report
quickly, accurately,
and in a detailed manner.
- Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report
quickly, accurately,
and thoroughly.
Example 3
- 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 problems 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 problems in a careless manner, and lacked
motivation.
2. Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses.
Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to
passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
Example 1
- 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.
- -- or --
- Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get
a lot of sleep, not eat too
much, and do some warm-up
exercises before the game.
Example 2
- 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.
(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.
3. Lists after a colon
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Example 1
- Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to
find word meanings, pronunciations,
correct spellings, and looking
up irregular verbs.
- Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to
find word meanings, pronunciations,
correct spellings, and irregular
verbs.
Proofreading Strategies to try:
- Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or."
Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are
parallel. If not, make them parallel.
- If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they
are parallel.
- Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do
you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing"
words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If
something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it
needs to be made parallel.
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