Mastering the similarity of structure in related words, phrases, and clauses to achieve rhetorical elegance.
The Architecture of Parallelism
Parallel structure is defined as the similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses. By convention, items in a series must appear in parallel grammatical form: a noun is listed with other nouns, an ‘-ing’ form with other ‘-ing’ forms, and so on. Failure to express such items in a similar grammatical form is known as faulty parallelism.
1. Consistency in Parts of Speech
Words in a series should belong to the same parts of speech.
Faulty Structure
The town was small, quiet, and the atmosphere was peaceful.
The series illegally mixes two adjectives with a noun clause.
Parallel Structure
The town was small, quiet, and peaceful.
Small, quiet, and peaceful are all adjectives.
2. Consistency in Phrases & Clauses
Phrases in a series should be the same kinds of phrases (e.g., all prepositional, or all infinitive). Furthermore, clauses in a series should never be mixed with phrases.
Faulty Structure
Her assignment is in her closet, on the floor and a pile of clothes is hiding it.
Mixes two prepositional phrases with one clause.
Parallel Structure
Her assignment is in her closet, on the floor and under a pile of clothes.
Three consistent prepositional phrases.
3. Advanced Nuances: Comparisons and Correlative Conjunctions
At the advanced level, parallelism is strictly enforced when comparing items or when using correlative conjunctions (e.g., not only... but also, either... or, both... and). The grammatical structure immediately following the first conjunction must precisely match the structure following the second.
Faulty Structure (Comparison)
Swimming in a pool is more refreshing than to sleep on a bed.
Mixes a gerund ("swimming") with an infinitive ("to sleep").
Parallel Structure (Comparison)
Swimming in a pool is more refreshing than sleeping on a bed.
Gerund ("swimming") matches gerund ("sleeping").
Faulty Structure (Correlative)
He is not only famous for his art, but also he is a brilliant scientist.
"Not only" precedes an adjective, "but also" precedes a full clause.
Parallel Structure (Correlative)
He is famous not only for his art but also for his science.
Both conjunctions are immediately followed by prepositional phrases ("for his...").
Diagnostic Assessment: Identification
Select the grammatically parallel option for all 10 questions
1. Identify the sentence with correct parallel adverbs:
2. Identify the sentence with correct parallel gerunds:
3. Identify the sentence with correct correlative parallelism:
4. Which comparison is structurally parallel?
5. Identify the correct parallel verbs:
6. Which list of nouns maintains parallel structure?
7. Identify the correct parallel subjects:
8. Which sentence correctly uses "not only / but also"?
9. Identify the correct parallel infinitives:
10. Which sentence correctly balances clauses?
Structural Reconstruction: Drag & Drop
Drag the correct parallel phrase from the bank into the drop zones
sewing her own clothes
lonely
having picnics
launch a new product
his engaging lectures
painting landscapes
easy to follow
driving a car
1. She enjoys reading novels, playing the flute, and
.
2. That night the prisoner was sick, discouraged and
.
3. She disliked going to the beach, hiking in the woods, and
.
4. The CEO decided to expand the team, increase the budget, and
.
5. He is famous not only for his brilliant research but also for
.
6. She prefers reading poetry, listening to jazz, and
.
7. The instructions were clear, concise, and
.
8. You can get there by taking the train, catching a bus, or
.
Syntax Correction: Inline Selection
Select the appropriate parallel form from the dropdown menus
1. She must either cut back on her expenses or
her car.
2. Dogs provide older people an important chance to learn or
social skills.
3. My parents didn’t have time to analyze their feelings or
about themselves.
4. To learn a new language is to
a new window to the world.
5. The committee is responsible for reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and
the winner.
6. He was respected both for his intellect and
.
7. I would rather pay for my own meal than
you pay for it.
8. Her speech was passionate, articulate, and
.
9. The new software is designed to optimize workflow, enhance security, and
errors.
10. We must either improve our sales strategy immediately or
bankruptcy.