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Parallel Structure

The document discusses the rules of parallel structure and parallelism in writing. It provides examples of parallel and non-parallel phrases, sentences, lists, and headings. Correct use of parallelism promotes clarity and improves writing style by creating a balanced structure between similar words, phrases, clauses, and elements.

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Ladylyn Punzalan - Susi
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91 views

Parallel Structure

The document discusses the rules of parallel structure and parallelism in writing. It provides examples of parallel and non-parallel phrases, sentences, lists, and headings. Correct use of parallelism promotes clarity and improves writing style by creating a balanced structure between similar words, phrases, clauses, and elements.

Uploaded by

Ladylyn Punzalan - Susi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Describe the pictures.

What is common among


them?

1 2
3

1. Parallel lines on the road


2. Parallel rails of a train
3. Line AB is parallel to Line DC/ Line AD is parallel to Line BC
or
Parallelism
Parallelism

 The balance between two or more similar words,


phrases or clauses

 is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two


or more parts of a sentence.

 Parallel construction prevents awkwardness,


promotes clarity and improves writing style and
readability.
Rules of Parallelism
Parallel construction is most commonly used in
sentences containing elements that appear in a
series or in a pair. It is also applied to headings and
outlines in academic writing.
Parallel words

 On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with


other adjectives, and so on.
 When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an
infinitive (a verb beginning with to) with a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing)
breaks parallel structure.
PHRASE

isa group of word without both subject


and predicate.
Parallel Phrases

 Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure.
For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.
 -
 As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not
mix phrases based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs.
Lists after a colon
 A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.
Parallel construction in pairs

 Use parallel construction when a sentence contains a pair of connected ideas.


 Pairs can be connected by coordinating conjunctions, which
include and, nor, but, or and yet.
 Use parallel structure when a pair of ideas are linked by a correlative conjunction,
such as not only…but also, either…or, and neither…nor.
 The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such
as over, than or as.
Outlines and headings

 Headings that divide a paper into sections should be parallel. Likewise, parallel


structure should be applied to elements in paper outlines.
QUIZ
DIRECTION: Decide whether the
sentence has parallel structure or
not.
1.She decided to leave her job and travelling
the world.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
2.He started the engine, released the hand
break, and checked the mirror.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
3. Some people think that being successful is
the same thing as to have money.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
4. Did you decide not to come because you are
tired or are you feeling sick?

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
5. She was disappointed by not only his clothes
but also his mannerisms.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
6. She wants neither the red one nor the
yellow one.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
7. When I wake up I like either walking the dog
or to go for a jog.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
8. I would describe her as intelligent, caring,
and thoughtful.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
9. He suggested that we go for a meal then we
should see a film.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
10.Spain is a place where you can eat cheap
food and soak up the sun.

 PARALLEL

 NOT PARRALLEL
11. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.

A.She likes to listen to music and reading the latest


novels.

B.She likes listening to music and reading the latest


novels.
12. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.

A.He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the


convenience store, and jogging every afternoon.

B.He spent his time studying Spanish. working at the


convenience store, and he jogged every afternoon.
13. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.

A.The dog was excited: running, barking, and he


chased after the boys.

B.The dog was excited: running, barking, and


chasing after the boys.
14. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.

A.The apartment was filled with old newspapers,


broken bottles, and the ashtrays were overflowing.

B.The apartment was filled with old newspapers,


broken bottles, and overflowing ashtrays.
15. Which of the following paired sentences are
parallel? Write the letter of the correct answer.

A.Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and


play the guitar.

B.Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and the


guitar.
ANSWER KEY

1. NOT PARALLEL 11. B


2. PARALLEL 12. A
3. NOT PARALLEL 13. B
4. NOT PARALLEL 14. A
5. PARALLEL 15. B
6. PARALLEL
7. NOT PARALLEL
8. PARALLEL
9. NOT PARALLEL
10. PARALLEL
Sources:

 Luo, A. (October 10, 2022). Parallel Structure & Parallelism | Definition, Use &
Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from
https://www.scribbr.com/language-rules/parallelism/
 Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.).
Oxford University Press.
 Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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