IAP - Parallel Structure Lesson

Parallel Structure

Now that mastery of subject-verb agreement has been achieved, we will study a more subtle method for improving writing.

Sometimes referred to as Parallelism, parallel structure utilizes the knowledge of the parts of speech to create balance in sentences.

Here are a few simple examples:

Example #1

Not Parallel:

The cat enjoys eating mice, sleeping on the porch and licks its paws.

Parallel:

The cat enjoys eating mice, sleeping on the porch and licking its paws.

This first example shows how parallel structure creates harmony in the sentence.

Example #2

Not Parallel:

The interviewer talked to the captain and star of the team.

Parallel:

The interviewer talked to the captain and the star of the team.

This second example shows how parallel structure creates clarity in the sentence. (In the first sentence, it is unclear whether the interviewer talked to one or two people.)

 

Parallelism - Presentation

View the presentation below. Take notes on parallelism as we proceed through the presentation. The notes will be useful on the exercises later and for preparing for the test at the end of the module.

 

 

  

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.