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Parallel Structures

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Trini Villalobos
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33 views

Parallel Structures

English

Uploaded by

Trini Villalobos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LEVEL 7

PARALLEL
STRUCTURES
“Be who you are and say
what you feel, because
those who mind don’t
matter, and those who
matter don’t mind.”

― Bernard M. Baruch
What is a
parallel
structure? Parallel structure (also known as
parallelism or parallel construction) is
a writing style that repeats the same
grammatical form in a sentence,
usually two or three times.

We do this by using the same pattern


of words to show that two or more
ideas have the same level of
importance. This can happen at the
word, phrase, or clause level.
Why do we
use them?
A sentence with parallel
construction allows you to
express yourself in a more
effective, complex, and
precise way. It prevents
awkwardness, promotes
clarity and improves writing
style and readability.
How do we
use them?
Keyword: balance
The most important feature of a parallel
structure is balance. When we write a
sentence using this writing style, we have to
find a way to balance two or more similar
words, phrases or clauses. This is how we
use parallel structures:
1
Parallelism is used to balance
nouns with nouns
prepositional phrases with
prepositional phrases
participles with participles
infinitives with infinitives
clauses with clauses

2
It is used with elements
joined by coordinating
conjunctions.

My mother likes cooking and to read.


My mother likes cooking and reading.
3
with elements in lists or in a series.

This task can be done individually, in pairs, or can be done in groups of four.
This task can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups of four.

4
Clauses can be joined by linking verbs or by an infinitive form

To learn is understanding the world.


To learn is to understand the world.
5
Parallelism is sometimes used with elements joined by paired conjunctions.

The teacher not only wants her students to keep quiet but also to do the task.
The teacher wants her students not only to keep quiet but also to do the task.

The game is suitable for both children and adults.


The game is suitable both for children and adults.

Neither she has called, nor has she written a letter.


Neither has she called, nor has she written a letter.

She will either take the bus or riding her bike.


She will either take the bus or ride her bike.
Activities
1. Mike likes to listen to rock music and reading mystery novels.

2. Julia is in charge of stocking the shelves, writing orders, and to

sell computers.

3. My grandfather's favorite pastime is to eat in trendy

restaurants and visiting art galleries.

4. While in France, my nephew spent his time studying French,

working in a restaurant, and he jogged along the Seine River

every morning.

5. Joan decided to paint her office, to add some new curtains,

and that the rug needs dry cleaning.


6. He was handsome, brave, and the sort of person who would do

anything for you.

7. That high school has many rules. Students need to wear uniforms,

arrive before 8am and they cannot bring their Smartphone to school.

8. The room was beautiful, the service was impeccable, and I've

never tasted better food in my entire life.

9. It is dangerous to be living in this world today because of war,

unemployment and not enough money.

10. Cooking and eating at home is a good idea for students because

it is saves time, money and it is easy to do.

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