Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure means using the same

pattern of words to show that two or more
ideas have the same level of importance.
This can happen at three levels:

Word

Phrase

Clause
 Words and Phrases
Incorrect:

Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to

ride a bicycle.

Correct:

Mary likes hiking, swimming, and

riding a bicycle.
More Examples: Words &
Phrases
Incorrect:

The production manager was asked to

write his report quickly, accurately, and
in a detailed manner.

Correct:

The production manager was asked to write

his report quickly, accurately, and
thoroughly.
 Examples continued:
Incorrect:

Angry ants, munched the marshmallows,

crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup,
headed off across the countertop.

Correct:
Angry ants, munching marshmallows, crumbling
coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across
the countertop.
 Clauses
Parallel structure that begins with clauses must
continue on with clauses.
Incorrect:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of
sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do
some warm-up exercises before the game.
Correct:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot
of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that
they should do some warm-up exercises before the
game
 Lists after a colon
Incorrect:

The dictionary can be used for these purposes:

to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct
spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.

Correct:

The dictionary can be used for these purposes:

to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct
spellings, and irregular verbs.
Other things to watch for:
Use parallel structure with pairs of words or
ideas.

Examples:

Granny’s method was tried and true

Man proposes. God disposes.

Use parallel structure on both
sides of coordinating
conjunctions
(and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so)

Examples:

She possessed all the wizard’s charm yet none of

the wizard’s insight.

Consult a doctor if your coughing persists or if

your coughing worsens over the weekend.
 Correct the sentences with
improper parallel structure.

Sabrina has wit, charm, and she has an extremely

pleasant personality.

Sabrina has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.

 Continued -

In English class, Tashonda learned to read

poems critically and she appreciated good
prose.

In English class, Tashonda learned to read

poems critically and appreciate good prose.
 Continued-

Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a

caring mentor, and friend.

Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a

caring mentor, and a wise friend.
 Continued -
We found the film repulsive, offensive,
and we thought it was embarrassing.

We found the film repulsive, offensive, and

embarrassing.

Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and he had it

conveniently arranged.

Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and

conveniently arranged.
Espinoza's style was remarkable for its dexterity, grace, and she
could play any position.
Raoul's motivation to succeed in this program seems to be greater
than his sister.
The college has space for a new computer lab but not a faculty
lounge.
Carlos wasted his first year at college by not studying enough and
spending too much time at parties.
Carlos wasted his first year at college by not
studying enough and spending too much time at
parties.
We have no doubt about her care and interest in
the proposal.
The students prepared for their exams at home,
they spent extra hours with their tutors, they did
the necessary research in the library, and asked
questions in their classrooms.
She likes to listen to music and reading the
latest novels.
He spent his time studying Spanish. working at the
convenience store, and he jogged every afternoon.
The apartment was filled with old newspapers, broken bottles,
and the ashtrays were overflowing.
Mary wanted to paint her office, to add some new draperies,
and the carpet need cleaning.
Last year, my brother dropped out of school, was looking for
work, and needed a place to stay.
He watched the latest version of King Lear, studied for his
math test, and was talking on the phone.
Learning a new language as an adult is more difficult than to
learn one as a child.
Every morning, I run two miles, walk one mile, and half a
mile on the bike.
The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window,
and was fixing his tie.
People often try to avoid eye contact with others, whether
riding on a bus, strolling through a shopping mall, or when
they are in line at a supermarket.
The bedroom was filled with old newspapers and radios that
don’t work.
You are either for us or you are against us.
Mary is neither a democrat nor is she a republican.
The show is both enjoyable and it is educational.
The author not only wants fame but also money.
The Budget Information System is a query system, the database is
small, and we need to recognize the fact that the response time is
unacceptably long.
The room was beautiful, the service impeccable, and I've never
tasted better food in my entire life.
A good picture in photojournalism has impact, a message, is
technically sound
The End