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Parallel structure is when the same pattern of words is used. This helps to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This type of structure can be used for words, phrases or clauses. Parallel structures are normally joined by using coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or”.
Phrases and Words a) “-ing” form of words: Timmy likes cooking, eating and sleeping. b) Infinitive phrases: Timmy likes to cook, to eat and to sleep. or Timmy likes to cook, eat and sleep.
NOTE: You can either use “to” before all of or only before the first verb.
** Remember Not to Mix The Different Forms**
Example 1 Not Parallel: Margaret likes dancing, singing and to play sports.
Parallel: Margaret likes dancing, singing and playing sports.
Example 2 Not Parallel: I was asked to present my material slowly, precisely and in a clear way.
Parallel: I was asked to present my material slowly, precisely and clearly.
Example 3 Not Parallel: Rob’s mom said he was lazy because he never cleaned up after himself, he never folded his clothes and his chores were never done.
Parallel: Rob’s mom said he was lazy because he never cleaned up after himself, he never folded his clothes and he never finished his chores.
Clauses Once a parallel structure begins with a clause it should continue to use clauses. If we change to another pattern or the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) it will break the parallelism.
Example 1 Not Parallel: The teacher told the students that they should get a lot of rest, that they should study hard and do practice exercises before their test.
Parallel: The teacher told the students that they should get a lot of rest, that they should study hard and that they should do practice exercises before their test. or The
teacher told the students that they should get a lot of rest, that they
should study hard and that they should do practice exercises before their
test. Example 2 Not parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to give his presentation and that he would be asked questions by the others.
Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to give his presentation and that the others would ask him questions.
Lists We must remember to keep all of the elements in the list in the same form.
Example 1 Not Parallel: The three items in today’s meeting are: the annual company dinner, how to calculate bonuses and the parking petition.
Parallel: The three items in today’s meeting are: the annual company dinner, the calculation of bonuses and the parking petition.
Example 2 Not Parallel: The following are some photocopying rules that
should be followed by all staff members: copies to be made only by
staff, the copy service closes at
Parallel: The following are some photocopying rules that
should be followed by all staff members: copies are only made by staff, copy
service closes at
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