Correlative conjunctions also join parallel elements in a sentence. Dangling Modifier Key Terms & Examples | What is a Dangling Modifier? The words that indicate parallel construction are marked in bold. But when proofreading for parallelism, you need to be extra careful in regards to how these sentences are constructed. 2. One common mistake that occurs with parallel structure is when a different verb tense is used to communicate the elements that are being shared. - Definition & Examples, Point of View: First, Second & Third Person, Narrators in Literature: Types and Definitions, What is Foreshadowing? I have a dream today., How do I love thee? Parallel structure is a writing technique that uses word patterns to demonstrate equal importance of two or more similar items or ideas. You may also see. She created me, and when she was done we broke up in a formal sense, but she kept calling me.. Parallel: Also know as parallelism, using parallel structure creates a common grammatical pattern throughout a sentence. Everyone in glass gathered their pens, textbooks, and school bags, as they tried to alert theprofessor that the sound of the bell signaled the end of the lecture. In these lines, the parallel structures use repetition to lay emphasis, and help the readers to memorize the sentences easily. You may also seebalanced sentences usage and examples. Many tests, including the SAT, will require you to identify parallel structure errors as a means of testing your writing abilities. If a parallel structure begins with a phrase or clause, check for continuity. Parallel structure is a writing technique that uses word patterns to demonstrate equal importance of two or more similar items or ideas. Parallel structure is vital in your writing in order to produce a piece of work with clarity and readability. 1. flashcard set. Not Parallel:The group exhibited collective survival, mutual aid, and being responsible for one another throughout the test.Parallel:The group exhibited collective survival, mutual aid, and responsibility for one another throughout the test. As great as it is to see parallelism reflected in literature, speeches, and poetry, youre here because you create content and you want to create better content. Use parallel structure to improve scannability so people quickly understand key points. A gerund is a verb ending in -ing. When demonstrating these benefits, the consistency of parallel form makes the messaging delivery seamless for your audience. When adjectives are used initially, the adjectives should be used for all ideas shared to create a continuity in parts of speech throughout the sentence. Explore our website and see all that NMU has to offer. Not Parallel:My little brothernot only likes to play catch, but also chase frogs.Parallel:My little brothernot only likes to play catch, but he also likes to chase frogs. Parallel constructor errors are italicized. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Tim was popular among his employers because he always arrived on time, he was very motivated, and he was a good speaker and listener. Students also viewed. 2022 NMU Board of Trustees. 1. I had been skinny and quiet and religious, and now I was good-looking and muscular. Sure, your writing is better when you use parallel structure. The managerwanted to make sure that Jane made her marketing presentation creatively, effectively, and persuasively. From SEO to marketing copy, focusing more energy on parallelism is a smart move. Not Parallel: Reece likes to read, writing, and eat. - parallel. If you have several items in a list, put them in a column and evaluate the first words to see if they're parallel. You either had a flashback to daydreaming at your crappy little desk in English class or you flew through your brain files in a frenzy to try and remember the definition of parallel structure and youre here because youre at a loss. Let's take a look at a basic example of a sentence that uses parallel structure. 2. The impact of parallel structure was just as powerful then as it is today. Take note from these parallel structure examples from content marketers who are using this technique to make their content more powerful and precise. This website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have contributed those ideas in their capacities as faculty-mentored student scholars. Active & Passive Voice Differences & Examples | When to use Active & Passive Voice, How to Write Logical Sentences and Avoid Faulty Comparisons, Punctuations: Using Colons, Semicolons & Periods, Pronouns & Antecedents | Overview, Rules & Examples. My dog likes to run, jump, and dig holes. Do you want to throw something across the room? Sentence lists (item comparison separated by commas) Our content team excels at writing, editing, optimizing, and distributing content. Adjusting verb tenses, noun numbers, mismatched parts of speech, and an imbalance of clauses to words to match results in parallel structures. - Definition & Examples, Basics of Writing Essays in 11th Grade: Help and Review, Reading and Understanding Essays in 11th Grade: Help and Review, Using Source Materials - 11th Grade English: Help and Review, Conventions in 11th Grade Writing - Usage: Help and Review, Elements of 11th Grade Grammar: Help and Review, 11th Grade Grammar Usage: Help and Review, Punctuation in 11th Grade Writing: Help and Review, EPT: CSU English Language Arts Placement Exam, AP English Language: Homework Help Resource, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Writing: Standards, CAHSEE English Exam: Test Prep & Study Guide, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Language: Standards, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Literature: Standards, Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Reading (5713) Prep, Parallelism: How to Write and Identify Parallel Sentences, What is Faulty Parallelism? When content works, it just works well, theres a lot more to it than meets the eye. You may also like. Mismatched parts of speech can occur in a list when nouns are used and then a different part of speech is used. Interpreting Graphics in Expository Texts, What Is an Interrogative Sentence? Parallel: Reece likes reading, writing, and eating. 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. This is accomplished by maintaining verb tense, noun numbers, the repetition of the same parts of speech, and continuous use of clauses or phrases. Matt and Emily argued not only about the story line, but also about the cast. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? I feel like its a lifeline. The best way to complete an essay is to research a topic thoroughly, writing clearly, edit properly, and proof-reading when finished. Parallel Structure Definition. What is parallel structure (or parallelism)? A cluster of amplifiers spread the theme of love over everything and everybody; the mild breeze spread the dust over everything and everybody. Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle. Examples of parallel structure Parallel structure is a fairly advanced grammar concept. It is similar to parallelism . To be considered parallel, elements in writing must have equal grammatical value. She was intelligent, engaging, and a good speaker. 3. Maintaining parallelism helps writers avoid grammatically incorrect sentences. Repeating words instead of repeating patterns. The first sentence uses an adjective, an adjective, and a noun. Privacy Policy. To win featured snippets for specific search terms, bulleted or numbered lists are a popular content creation tactic. A fearful man, all in coarse grey, with a great iron on his leg. ", (Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.). Its a grammatical construction carrying two or more clauses, phrases or words, with a similar grammatical form and length. The examples below mix tenses. The best way to complete an essay is to research a topic thoroughly, write clearly, edit properly, and proof-read when finished. You can test your writing abilities by taking various exams, including the SAT, that will require you to locate and revise parallel structure errors as a way of improving your skills. In writing, elements must have equal grammatical value to be considered parallel. Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students, Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs), Dangling Modifiers and How To Correct Them, Overview of Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (Idioms), Comparing Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives. For the following key term or person, write a sentence explaining its significance to U.S. foreign policy between 1890 and 1920: protectorate. Even when a colon isn't used to introduce a list, parallel construction is important. Northern has a distinctive sense of place some refer to it as the upper hand, 11 terms. Not Parallel: To be Graces friend means being constantly alert. The paragraph above contains a number of parallel structures that not only gives a balance to ones writing but also provides a grace to the passage by complementing its readability. A Biohacker since the age of nine when he first drank bicarbonate of soda to counter the lactic acid burn when sprinting, Sarkis is the true meaning of human crash test dummy. Make sure your worksheet includes: A brief explanation of parallel structure for guidance. **b. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. These structures giverhythm to sentences and leaving them grammatically balanced. If you can't run, then walk. A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. The problematic wording is italicized. Not Parallel: Taylor criticizes public schools as they are compulsory, funded by the government, and destroy students humanity. The materials collected here do not express the views of, or positions held by, Purdue University. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or. The errors in the following examples are italicized. He enjoys finding new recipes, cooking for friends, and to eat the meals too. 3. Incorrect Parallel Structure: The book she read was well-written (adjective), interesting (adjective), and a novel (noun). The grammar error becomes clear when you make a bullet-point list of each item following the part of the sentence that each item is meant to complete: The computers ability to usability improved is a grammatically incorrect sentence because all words following the phrase the computers ability must be verbs, but usability is a noun. So the next time you find yourselfwriting any form of composition, make sure to apply a parallel structure to add value to your words and to keep it structurally and grammatically correct. Writers should use parallel structure whether the items in the list or series are grammatical subjects, predicates, or objects. One is more likely to slip . Northern students are deeply involved in real-world scientific and creative research, professional Not Parallel: The repetition of the grammatical structure creates a common word pattern and grammatical pattern throughout the sentence. It keeps your writing balanced and makes it easier to read. In the non-parallel structure, there are two gerunds acting as nouns and one infinitive (to read), which makes the sentence awkward and harder to process. If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel. To achieve parallel structure, verb forms should not be mixed within a sentence. When that pattern is broken, it creates a disruptive reading experience. 3. This excerpt presents a perfect example of parallel structure, describing a convict who becomes Magwitch. Not Parallel: - Definition, Examples & History in Literature and Drama, Allegory in Literature: History, Definition & Examples, Consonance, Assonance, and Repetition: Definitions & Examples, Understatement & Litotes: Differences, Definitions & Examples, Symbolism & Imagery in Literature: Definitions & Examples, What is a Transitive Verb? Each of the examples in the table was revised to show parallel structure by creating a balance between the items that are being compared. Refer to it than meets the eye quiet and religious, and dig holes be Study.com... A writing technique that uses parallel structure by creating a balance between the items the. Clarity and readability dig holes this website collects and publishes the ideas of individuals who have those... 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