Parallel Structure

For this lesson, we will learn how to write more concise sentences with clarity by utilizing parallel structure, sometimes known as parallelism. It is important to know both the subject(s) and verb(s) of a sentence to use parallel structure effectively.

The subject of a sentence performs the action, usually described by a verb. Oftentimes the subject comes at the beginning of a sentence and is a noun or pronoun.

Subjects and Verbs - Examples

Example 1: The student enjoys writing short fiction.
- In this sentence, the student is the subject, since they enjoy writing fiction. Enjoys is the verb.

Sometimes, there are multiple verbs in a sentence. If this is the case, they should match in terms of verb tense.

Example 2: The student enjoys writing short fiction, but also likes science experiments and playing music in band class.
- In this sentence, the student (subject) not only enjoys writing short fiction, but they also like to conduct science experiments and play music.

This sentence could be improved by using Parallel Structure.

Parallel Structure

Parallel structure creates balance, consistency, and clarity within a sentence. Here’s a great way to revise the sentence in Example 2:

Revised Example 2: The student enjoys writing short fiction, conducting science experiments, and playing music.

By making the three activities objects of the main verb (writing, conducting and playing are all controlled by enjoys), the sentence achieves parallelism. Think of it this way: you could now ask yourself "What does the student enjoy doing?" and answer with the three behaviors:

writing
conducting
playing

Additional Examples

The following shows how parallel structure creates balance and consistency in the sentence.

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.

The following 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.

Not Parallel:
- The interviewer talked to the captain and rookie of the team.
Parallel:
- The interviewer talked to the captain and the rookie of the team.

Video Lesson

The following presentation explores parallel structure; be sure to take notes on the the examples. Be sure to attempt the practice activities from the presentation!

Download a printable version of this presentation.

Practice

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