Which Sentence Uses Correct Parallel Structure

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. By making sure that each compared item or idea in your sentence follows the same grammatical pattern, you create a clear and balanced flow, enhancing readability and impact. Mastering parallel structure is essential for clear and effective communication.

Understanding Parallel Structure

Parallel structure ensures that elements in a sentence that have similar functions are grammatically similar. This means using the same parts of speech, verb tenses, or sentence structures to create a balanced and rhythmic effect. When elements are not parallel, the sentence can sound awkward, confusing, and less persuasive.

Why Parallel Structure Matters

• Clarity: Parallel structure helps readers easily understand the relationships between ideas.
• Emphasis: It highlights the importance of each element in a list or comparison.
• Rhythm: Parallelism creates a pleasing rhythm that makes your writing more engaging.
• Credibility: Correct use of parallel structure enhances your professional image and trustworthiness.

Basic Rules of Parallel Structure

1. Use the same grammatical form: Ensure that all items in a list or series are in the same grammatical form (e.g., nouns, verbs, adjectives, phrases, or clauses).
2. Match verb tenses: Keep verb tenses consistent when listing actions or events.
3. Use parallel markers correctly: When using correlative conjunctions like either/or, neither/nor, both/and, not only/but also, ensure that the elements following each part of the conjunction are parallel.
4. Consistency in phrasing: Maintain a consistent pattern in phrasing to avoid awkward or confusing sentences.

Identifying Correct Parallel Structure

To identify correct parallel structure, you need to analyze the elements within a sentence to see if they follow the same grammatical form and maintain consistency.

Examples of Correct Parallel Structure

• Nouns:
  • Incorrect: I enjoy reading, hiking, and to swim.
  • Correct: I enjoy reading, hiking, and swimming.
• Verbs:
  • Incorrect: She likes to sing, dance, and is acting.
  • Correct: She likes to sing, dance, and act.
• Adjectives:
  • Incorrect: The movie was exciting, long, and it had a good plot.
  • Correct: The movie was exciting, long, and well-plotted.
• Phrases:
  • Incorrect: He is good at playing the guitar, singing songs, and to write lyrics.
  • Correct: He is good at playing the guitar, singing songs, and writing lyrics.
• Clauses:
  • Incorrect: I appreciate that he is honest and his kindness.
  • Correct: I appreciate that he is honest and that he is kind.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing grammatical forms: Avoid mixing nouns, verbs, adjectives, or phrases within the same list.
• Inconsistent verb tenses: Ensure that verb tenses remain consistent unless there is a valid reason to change them.
• Misusing parallel markers: Always balance elements with correlative conjunctions to maintain parallelism.
• Lack of clarity: Rewrite sentences that are unclear or awkward due to faulty parallelism.

Practical Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, let's go through some exercises. For each question, identify the sentence with the correct parallel structure.

Question 1:

• A. She likes to read books, to watch movies, and going for walks.
• B. She likes reading books, watching movies, and to go for walks.
• C. She likes to read books, watch movies, and go for walks.

Answer:

• C. She likes to read books, watch movies, and go for walks.

Explanation: Option C maintains parallel structure by using the infinitive form of the verb for each item in the list.

Question 2:

• A. He is not only intelligent but also he is kind.
• B. He is not only intelligent but also kind.
• C. He is intelligent, but also he is kind.

Answer:

• B. He is not only intelligent but also kind.

Explanation: Option B correctly uses the correlative conjunction not only/but also to connect two parallel adjectives.

Question 3:

• A. The job requires patience, organization, and to be detail-oriented.
• B. The job requires patience, being organized, and detail-oriented.
• C. The job requires patience, organization, and attention to detail.

Answer:

• C. The job requires patience, organization, and attention to detail.

Explanation: Option C maintains parallel structure by using nouns for each item in the list.

Question 4:

• A. I enjoy cooking, to paint, and hiking.
• B. I enjoy to cook, to paint, and to hike.
• C. I enjoy cooking, painting, and hiking.

Answer:

• C. I enjoy cooking, painting, and hiking.

Explanation: Option C maintains parallel structure by using gerunds for each item in the list.

Question 5:

• A. She wants to travel the world, learn a new language, and experiencing new cultures.
• B. She wants to travel the world, to learn a new language, and experience new cultures.
• C. She wants traveling the world, learning a new language, and experiencing new cultures.

Answer:

• B. She wants to travel the world, to learn a new language, and experience new cultures.

Explanation: Option B maintains parallel structure by using the infinitive form of the verb for each item in the list.

Advanced Techniques for Parallel Structure

While basic parallel structure involves matching grammatical forms, advanced techniques involve more nuanced applications that can significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

Using Parallel Structure in Complex Sentences

Complex sentences often involve multiple clauses or phrases, making parallel structure more challenging but also more rewarding.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: She argued that the policy was unfair, that it was inefficient, and a waste of money.
  • Correct: She argued that the policy was unfair, that it was inefficient, and that it was a waste of money.

In the corrected sentence, each clause begins with "that it was," creating a clear and balanced structure.

Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions (e.g., either/or, neither/nor, both/and, not only/but also) require careful attention to parallel structure. The elements following each part of the conjunction must be grammatically similar.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: He is not only good at singing but also he plays the guitar well.
  • Correct: He is not only good at singing but also at playing the guitar.

In the corrected sentence, "at singing" and "at playing the guitar" are parallel phrases.

Maintaining Parallelism in Headings and Lists

Headings and lists should also maintain parallel structure to ensure consistency and clarity.

• Example:
  • Incorrect:
    • Research Methods
    • Data Analysis
    • How to Write a Report
  • Correct:
    • Research Methods
    • Data Analysis
    • Report Writing

In the corrected list, each item is a noun phrase, maintaining parallelism.

Common Errors in Parallel Structure

Understanding common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing.

Mismatched Grammatical Forms

Mixing different grammatical forms within the same list is a frequent mistake.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: My hobbies include reading books, playing sports, and to watch movies.
  • Correct: My hobbies include reading books, playing sports, and watching movies.

Inconsistent Verb Tenses

Changing verb tenses without a clear reason can disrupt the flow of your writing.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: He likes to swim, run, and had biked in the past.
  • Correct: He likes to swim, run, and bike.

Misuse of Parallel Markers

Failing to balance elements with correlative conjunctions can lead to awkward sentences.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: Either you must finish the project or you will fail.
  • Correct: You must either finish the project or fail.

Omitting Necessary Words

Sometimes, words need to be repeated to maintain parallel structure, especially in longer sentences.

• Example:
  • Incorrect: She enjoys music, art, and literature.
  • Correct: She enjoys music, art, and literature.

The Role of Parallel Structure in Different Types of Writing

Parallel structure is valuable in various forms of writing, including academic, professional, and creative contexts.

Academic Writing

In academic papers, parallel structure helps present arguments clearly and logically.

• Example:
  • "Effective research involves carefully planning the study, meticulously collecting data, and thoroughly analyzing the results."

Professional Writing

In business communications, parallel structure conveys professionalism and attention to detail.

• Example:
  • "The company aims to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction."

Creative Writing

In literature, parallel structure can enhance the rhythm and impact of your prose.

• Example:
  • "He came, he saw, he conquered." - Julius Caesar

Improving Your Skills in Parallel Structure

Enhancing your skills in parallel structure requires practice and attention to detail.

Practice Exercises

Regularly practice identifying and correcting parallel structure errors in sample sentences.

Reviewing Your Writing

Carefully review your own writing to identify and correct any instances of faulty parallelism.

Seeking Feedback

Ask colleagues, friends, or writing tutors to provide feedback on your use of parallel structure.

Reading Widely

Read a variety of well-written texts to observe how skilled writers use parallel structure effectively.

Examples of Parallel Structure in Literature and Speeches

Studying examples from notable literary works and speeches can offer valuable insights into the art of parallel structure.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech

Martin Luther King Jr. masterfully used parallel structure to create a powerful and memorable speech.

• "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'"
• "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities"

Dickens' opening lines in "A Tale of Two Cities" are a classic example of parallel structure.

• "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."

Winston Churchill's "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" Speech

Churchill's famous wartime speech employs parallel structure to inspire and galvanize his audience.

• "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."

Tools and Resources for Mastering Parallel Structure

Several tools and resources can help you improve your understanding and application of parallel structure.

Grammar Checkers

Online grammar checkers like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can help identify and correct parallel structure errors in your writing.

Style Guides

Style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style, APA Style, and MLA Handbook provide guidelines on parallel structure and other grammar rules.

Writing Handbooks

Writing handbooks offer comprehensive explanations and examples of parallel structure, along with exercises to practice your skills.

Online Courses and Tutorials

Many online courses and tutorials focus on grammar and writing skills, including parallel structure.

Conclusion

Mastering parallel structure is crucial for clear, effective, and persuasive writing. By ensuring that elements in a sentence are grammatically similar, you enhance clarity, emphasis, and rhythm. Avoiding common errors, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback will improve your skills in parallel structure. Whether you are writing academic papers, professional communications, or creative pieces, attention to parallel structure will elevate the quality of your writing and make your message more impactful.