Grammar (and Style) Review: Parallel Structure

(Adapted from College Writing Skills with Readings, 3rded., by John Langan)

Words in a pair or a series should have a parallel structure. By balancing the items in a pair
or a series so that they have the same kind of grammatical structure, you will make the
sentence clearer and easier to read. To make ideas parallel, similar items should be written in
similar ways. For instance, the items in a series should be alike, whether all nouns, all gerunds,
all infinitives, all phrases or all clauses. A series of verbs should all be in the same tense and
voice.

Notice how the parallel sentences in the following examples read more smoothly than the
nonparallel ones:

Example 1:
My job includes checking the inventory, initialing the orders and to call the suppliers. (NOT
PARALLEL)

My job includes checking the inventory, initialing the orders and calling the suppliers.
(PARALLEL WITH A BALANCED SERIES OF GERUNDS)

Example 2:
The pageant contestant was told to be cheerful, charming and have enthusiasm. (NOT
PARALLEL)

The pageant contestant was told to be cheerful, charming and enthusiastic. (PARALLEL WITH
A BALANCED SERIES OF DESCRITPEIVE WORDS)

Example 3:
The politician trusted no one, rewarded loyalty and was dependent only on his own instincts.
(NOT PARALLEL)

The politician trusted no one, rewarded loyalty and depended only on his own instincts.
(PARALLEL WITH A BALANCED SERIES OF –ed VERB FORMS)

Example 4:
We painted the trim in the living room; the wallpaper was put up by a professional. (NOT
PARALLEL)

We painted the trim in the living room; a professional put up the wallpaper. (PARALLEL WITH
BALANCED VERBS AND WORD ORDER)

Balanced sentences are not a skill you need to worry about when drafting articles. But when
you proofread, revise and rewrite for the final version of your work, you should try to put
matching words and ideas into parallel structures. Doing so will improve your writing style.

Complete the exercise on the next page.

©2005 Calvin L. Hall

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EXERCISE: Revising Sentences for Parallel Structure

Open Microsoft Word. Type your Name, Class and Date and the above title. Save the
file on your USB drive as 2600week07YOURINITIALS.doc (i.e. 2600week07CH.doc).

INSTRUCTIONS. Revise the sentences below, making the necessary changes to

correct the faulty parallel structure they contain. An example is presented. DEADLINE:
Monday (Oct. 13) in class

Example
Chocolate makes me gain weight, lose my appetite and breaking out in hives.

 Chocolate makes me gain weight, lose my appetite and break out in hives.

1. Adam convinced most of the audience because he argued logically, calmly, and
was reasonable.

2. Ed’s last job offered security; a better chance for advancement is offered by his
new job.

3. A sale on electrical appliances, furniture for the patio and stereo systems begins
this Friday.

4. Because the dying woman was dignified and with courage, she won everyone’s
respect.

5. The politician trusted no one, rewarded loyalty and was dependent only on his
own instincts.

6. To decide on a career, people should think closely about their interests, hobbies
and what they are skilled at.

7. The keys to maintaining good grades are to take effective notes in class, to plan
study time and prepare carefully for exams.

8. In many ways, starting college at 30 is harder than to start at 18.

9. While waiting for the exam to start, small groups of nervous students glanced
over their notes, drank coffee and were whispering to each other.

10. There are two ways to the top: climb the stairs or taking the elevator.

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