Mastering Parallel Structure in English Grammar: Tips and Examples

 

Introduction:

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is an essential aspect of English grammar that helps to improve the clarity and readability of sentences. In this blog post, we'll explore the definition of parallel structure, why it is important, and provide examples of parallel structure in different parts of speech. We'll also highlight common mistakes to avoid and offer tips for improving parallel structure in your writing.

Definition of Parallel Structure:

Parallel structure is a writing technique that involves using the same grammatical form in a sentence or paragraph. This means that words, phrases, or clauses should be structured in a consistent way to create balance and harmony in your writing. For example, a sentence like "I like to swim, run, and hiking" is not parallel because the verbs are not in the same form. A parallel structure would be "I like to swim, run, and hike" where all the verbs are in the infinitive form.

Importance of Using Parallel Structure:

Parallel structure is important because it makes your writing more coherent and easier to understand. When the structure of your sentences is consistent, it helps the reader to follow your ideas and see the relationships between them. Additionally, parallel structure can add emphasis to your writing, making it more persuasive and impactful.

Examples of Parallel Structure in English Grammar:

Parallel structure can be used in different parts of speech, including verb phrases, noun phrases, adjective phrases, adverb phrases, and clauses.

Here are some examples:

Verb phrases: "She likes to dance, sing, and play the piano."

Noun phrases: "The company promotes teamwork, collaboration, and innovation."

Adjective phrases: "The movie was exciting, suspenseful, and engaging."

Adverb phrases: "He walked confidently, purposefully, and swiftly."

Clauses: "She is not only smart but also funny."

Parallelism in Verb Phrases:

Parallelism in verb phrases requires the use of the same tense or form of the verb. For example, "He likes to swim, bike, and running" should be corrected to "He likes to swim, bike, and run." Another example would be "She has been to Paris, London, and visited Rome" which should be "She has been to Paris, London, and Rome."

Parallelism in Noun Phrases:

Parallelism in noun phrases involves using nouns that are the same grammatical type. For instance, "The teacher gave the students books, pencils, and to draw" should be corrected to "The teacher gave the students books, pencils, and paper to draw on."

Parallelism in Adjective Phrases:

Parallelism in adjective phrases requires using adjectives that are of the same type. For example, "The sunset was beautiful, breathtaking, and it was calming" can be corrected to "The sunset was beautiful, breathtaking, and calming."

Parallelism in Adverb Phrases:

Parallelism in adverb phrases involves using adverbs that are the same type. For example, "He spoke loudly, clearly, and with confidence" is parallel, but "He spoke loudly, with clarity, and confidently" is not.

Parallelism in Clauses:

Parallelism in clauses involves using clauses that have the same structure. For instance, "She not only likes to dance but also enjoys singing" is parallel because both clauses have the same structure.

Common Mistakes in Parallel Structure:

Common mistakes in parallel structure include mixing tenses, using different grammatical types, and omitting necessary words. Another mistake is failing to use parallelism in a list or series, which can make the sentence seem disorganized and difficult to understand.

Tips for Improving Parallel Structure in Writing:

To improve parallel structure in your writing, try the following tips:

• Read your sentences out loud to hear if they sound balanced and harmonious.
• Identify the grammatical type of each item in your list or series to ensure they match.
• Check for consistency in tense, voice, and mood throughout your writing.
• Use parallel structure to add emphasis to your writing and make it more persuasive.
• Revise your sentences and reword them to ensure they follow parallel structure.

Conclusion:

Parallel structure is a powerful tool in English grammar that can improve the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. By using parallel structure correctly, you can create sentences that flow smoothly and are easy to understand. Remember to use the same grammatical form for each item in a list or series and to be consistent in tense, voice, and mood. With these tips, you can master parallel structure and take your writing to the next level.

If you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, we encourage you to read more posts on our blog. We offer a variety of writing and grammar-related topics that can help you improve your writing skills, including tips on how to write effective sentences, how to use punctuation marks correctly, and how to avoid common grammar mistakes.

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