Parallelism

Parallelism: A word or group of words that matches the

categoryor structure of a corresponding word or
group of words , expressing ideas of equal importance.

All items in a series should be parallel in formsingle words should

be balanced with single words, phrases with phrases. In this way,
ideas are easier to grasp.
A kiss can be a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point.
(nouns)

This novel is not to be tossed lightly aside, but to be hurled with

great
force. Passive voice

coordinating conjunctions
We performed whenever folks would listen and wherever
they would pay.
History became popular, and historians became alarmed. (two
sentences in coordination)

Correlative conjunctions
Eitheror, bothand, neithernor, not but, not onlybut also ,
whetheror.
The organization provides both scholarships for young artist and
grants for established ones. (phrases with the same structure)
It was a question of either reducing their staff or finding new
customers. (ing)

The shutters were not only too short but also too wide. (adverb+aj.)

Comparisons linked with than or as

All elements being compared should be expressed in the same
grammatical structures.
Its easier to speak in abstractions than to ground ones thoughts in
reality. (infinitive phrases)

Writers are often more interesting on the pages than in

the flesh. (prepositional phrases)

Abused children commonly exhibit one or more of the

following symptoms: rebelliousness, restlessness, and they are
depressed (depression/ they are rebell, they are restless and
they are depressed).

Abused children commonly exhibit one or more of the

following symptoms: rebelliousness, restlessness, and
depression.

Hooked on romance novels, she learned that theres

nothing more important than being rich, looking good, and
to have a good time.
Hooked on romance novels, she learned that theres
nothing more important than being rich, looking good, and
having a good time.

Kitchen rules: (1) Coffee to be made only by library staff. (2)

Coffee service to be closed at 4:00. (3) no faculty members
should handle coffee material.

Kitchen rules: (1) Coffee to be made only by library staff. (2)

Coffee service to be closed at 4:00. (3)Coffee materials not to
be handle by faculty members. .

The ophthalmologist told me that Julie was extremely farsighted

but corrective lenses would help considerably.

The ophthalmologist told me that Julie was extremely farsighted

but that corrective lenses would help considerably.