Parallel structure, or parallelism, is the balance and consistency in a sentence’s grammatical form. When elements in a sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, the sentence becomes easier to read and understand. Parallelism enhances clarity, rhythm, and style, ensuring that your writing flows smoothly and that your meaning is conveyed more effectively.
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What Is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words or the same grammatical form for two or more elements within a sentence. These elements could be words, phrases, or clauses that play the same role in a sentence. By maintaining parallelism, you create consistency and symmetry that make your writing more coherent and aesthetically pleasing.
Non-Parallel (Incorrect) Example:
“She likes reading, to swim, and playing basketball.”
In this sentence, the list “reading, to swim, and playing basketball” is not parallel because the forms are different. “Reading” is a gerund (–ing form), “to swim” is an infinitive, and “playing basketball” is another gerund phrase.
Parallel (Correct) Example:
“She likes reading, swimming, and playing basketball.”
Now all elements are gerunds: reading, swimming, playing.
Rules for Achieving Parallel Structure
Parallel structure ensures that elements in a sentence that are similar in function are also similar in form. It’s a way to maintain balance and clarity in writing, making your sentences more effective and easier to read. Here’s how you can achieve it, with examples:
1. Use the Same Grammatical Form for Items in a List
When you list items, they should all follow the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, or all phrases).
Incorrect:
- She likes swimming, to hike, and biking.
Correct:
- She likes swimming, hiking, and biking.
(All items are gerunds.)
Incorrect:
- The teacher said we should study hard, that we should complete our assignments, and to participate in class.
Correct:
- The teacher said we should study hard, complete our assignments, and participate in class.
(All items start with the base form of the verb.)
2. Maintain Consistency in Comparisons
When comparing two or more things, ensure they are structured similarly.
Incorrect:
- Cooking is more enjoyable than to clean.
Correct:
- Cooking is more enjoyable than cleaning.
(Both are gerunds.)
Incorrect:
- I prefer reading books over to watch TV.
Correct:
- I prefer reading books over watching TV.
(Both are gerunds.)
3. Keep Parallelism in Correlative Constructions
Correlative conjunctions (like either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also) require parallel elements on both sides.
Incorrect:
- She is not only a great singer but also dances beautifully.
Correct:
- She is not only a great singer but also a beautiful dancer.
(Both elements are noun phrases.)
Incorrect:
- You can either call me or texting me.
Correct:
- You can either call me or text me.
(Both elements are base verbs.)
4. Maintain Parallel Structure in Series or Compound Sentences
In sentences with multiple clauses, ensure each clause follows the same structure.
Incorrect:
- The project involves analyzing data, to create reports, and presenting findings.
Correct:
- The project involves analyzing data, creating reports, and presenting findings.
(All items are gerunds.)
Incorrect:
- He wanted to go to the store, buying some groceries, and cook dinner.
Correct:
- He wanted to go to the store, buy some groceries, and cook dinner.
(All items use the infinitive form of the verb.)
5. Align Elements in Headings or Bullet Points
Parallelism is especially important in headings, lists, or outlines.
Incorrect:
- Steps to Write a Great Essay:
- Brainstorming ideas
- Organize your thoughts
- Writing the first draft
Correct:
- Steps to Write a Great Essay:
- Brainstorm ideas
- Organize thoughts
- Write the first draft
(Each step begins with a verb in the base form.)
Why Parallel Structure Matters
Parallel structure isn’t just about grammar—it’s about improving readability, rhythm, and clarity. When sentences are consistent in form, readers can process the information quickly and understand your message better.
If you’re ever unsure about parallel structure, read the sentence aloud. If it sounds awkward or unbalanced, it’s likely not parallel!
Tips for Ensuring Parallelism
- Identify the Elements Being Listed or Compared:
Check if they serve the same grammatical function. Are they all nouns, verbs, infinitive phrases, or gerund phrases? - Use Similar Parts of Speech and Forms:
If one list item is an infinitive, the others should be too. If one item is a noun, the others should be nouns. - Read Aloud: Sometimes reading your sentence aloud can help you hear whether the structure is balanced or awkward.
- Revise for Consistency: If something feels inconsistent, try rewriting the sentence to maintain a consistent pattern.
Parallel Structure Exercises
Exercise 1: Identify and correct the errors in parallelism.
- Incorrect: “On our vacation, we went hiking, swimming, and to fish.”
Correct: _________________________________________ - Incorrect: “The president promised to reduce taxes, to improve infrastructure, and that he would create more jobs.”
Correct: _________________________________________ - Incorrect: “She is not only talented but also has a great personality.”
Correct: _________________________________________
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using parallel structure.
- “He likes to paint, singing songs, and to photograph nature.”
Revised: _________________________________________ - “My duties include answering emails, filing documents, and that I arrange meetings.”
Revised: _________________________________________
Exercise 3: Create your own sentence that uses a parallel structure with three or more items in a series.
Write your sentence: _____________________________________
Answer Key (Suggested Answers)
Exercise 1:
- Incorrect: “On our vacation, we went hiking, swimming, and to fish.”
Correct: “On our vacation, we went hiking, swimming, and fishing.” - Incorrect: “The president promised to reduce taxes, to improve infrastructure, and that he would create more jobs.”
Correct: “The president promised to reduce taxes, to improve infrastructure, and to create more jobs.” - Incorrect: “She is not only talented but also has a great personality.”
Correct: “She is not only talented but also personable.”
(Both “talented” and “personable” are adjectives.)
Exercise 2:
- Original: “He likes to paint, singing songs, and to photograph nature.”
Revised: “He likes to paint, to sing songs, and to photograph nature.”
(All are infinitives now.) - Original: “My duties include answering emails, filing documents, and that I arrange meetings.”
Revised: “My duties include answering emails, filing documents, and arranging meetings.”
(All are gerund phrases: answering, filing, arranging.)