To achieve parallelism, you must use the same verb, noun, adverb, or adjective forms consistently throughout a sentence. It makes the sentence concise, clear, and easy to read. The use of parallel structure is essential for good writing, helping to add. How to fix problems with parallel sentence structure.
When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily. In english grammar, parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Below are three rules to consider when checking for parallel structure in your writing. Click here to download a pdf of this lesson parallel structure also called parallelism is when two or more items for example, nouns or clauses are balanced within a sentence or between. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. We make words or phrases parallel when we are writing things in a list or.
Parallel structure also called parallelism is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. Parallel structure usc dana and david dornsife college of. Parallel construction prevents awkwardness in the sentence, promotes clarity of the message, and improves writing style and readability. Our brains are wired to look for patterns, so you can use parallel structure in your sentences to make your writing more memorable. If you are making lists or comparing items in a sentence, parallel structure must be used, otherwise, you will confuse your reader. Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. Parallelism enhances a texts connection to its reader. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Writers use parallel structures to communicate ideas that have the same importance using the same grammatical structure. Its a grammatical construction carrying two or more clauses, phrases or words, with a similar grammatical form and length. Mike likes to listen to rock music and reading mystery novels. When you write, you want readers to understand what you are saying. Parallel structure is when you use the same grammatical structure to show that ideas are related and have the same level of importance.
In the nonparallel structure, there are two gerunds acting as nouns and one infinitive to read, which makes the sentence awkward and harder to process. This is used to add clarity when making a list or comparing items in a sentence. A sentence must contain a complete subject person, place, or thing and a verb what the subject is doing in order to make sense. Parallel structure or parallelism is the rule that words or phrases in a series. Under handouts, we have posted pdfs of the powerpoint. Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. We make words or phrases parallel when we are writing things in a list or series, and each word must have the same grammatical form. Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407.
In the correct version, all items have a similar structure i. The paragraph itself is a parallel construction, with its four sentences each leading off with the invocation now is the time. This could be the verb form or the way infinitives are used. These three sentences are all dealing with the same topic, and can be combined using parallel structure. My grandfathers favorite pastime is to eat in trendy restaurants and visiting art. By convention, items in a series appear in parallel grammatical form. Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407 8676420 parallel structure parallel structure adds both clout and clarity to your writing. These structures place words within a sentence or even a group of sentences in the same grammatical slots. And within each of the two middle sentences, evocative contrasts are.
A failure to create grammatically parallel structures when they are appropriate is referred to as faulty parallelism. A parallel structure, also known as parallelism, refers to a grammatical construction having two or more words, phrases or clauses that are identical in form or length. Using parallel structure shows that the wordsideas have the same level of importance. A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses.
Parallel structure in sentences clarion university. In the incorrect version, two of the listed items are noun phrases and two are verb phrases. Parallelism allows writers to emphasize and clearly articulate their meaning. Not what counts isnt how you look but your behavior. Parallel structure parallel structure or parallelism is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to. Parallelism is a grammatical term for arranging words of identical or equivalent syntactical constructions in corresponding clauses, phrases, lists, etc. That means they are two lines that continuously have the same distance between them and never intersect. Parallel structure is important in both sentences and phrases. The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process. Repair faulty parallelism with linking verbs or verbs of being by making one element of the equation parallel to the other. Writing clear sentences worksheet 1 parallel structure.
Parallel structure also called parallelism is when two or more items for example, nouns or clauses are balanced within a sentence or between sentences. Choose the option that maintains parallel structure in the sentence. Parallel structure isnt a set rule, but more of a stylistic choice. Faulty parallelism occurs when writers do not use a parallel structure to communicate a series of ideas. Constructing sentences 5 constructing sentences checkup instructions there are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including runon sentences, sentence fragments, faulty parallel structure, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers, faulty subjectverb agreement, and faulty pronoun agreement. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence.
Recognizing proper parallel structure read each pair of sentences. Below is an example of a grammatically incorrect sentence without parallel structure. Parallel structure exercises penn state law university. Achieving parallel structure parallelism ensures that similar clauses or phrases are uniform in expression and function. Parallel structure academic assistance and tutoring centers. Check the structure on either side of commas and conjunctions fanboys to see if the structures, words, phrases, clauses, and verbs match. When delores realized that her father had made lima beans and rice for dinner, she. To learn how to write sentences with parallel structure. Constructing sentences 7 the simple sentence when we write, a complete thought is called a sentence. Which of the words or phrases in the following sentence use parallel structure.
When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as and or or. Adjectivesing and ed infinitive clause for and its use gerund infinitive phrase infinitive in sentences look forward tobe used to past simple or past continuous doubleclick on. Parallel structure practice quizclick on the answer that you think is correct. Parallel structure click here to download a pdf of this lesson. Parallel structure parallel structure is a tool to create a series of words, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same grammatical form. Parallel structure worksheet making the sentences parallel. This means that ideas in a sentence or paragraph that are similar should be expressed in parallel grammatical form e.
In the first example, a series of nouns are presented in parallel structure. Parallelism refers to using similar words, clauses, phrases, sentence structure, or other grammatical elements to emphasize similar ideas in a sentence. To have parallel structure, use matching nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs when you write a list. Parallel structure is when you balance the grammatical structures of words, clauses, sentences, or phrases in your writing. Clauses lists after a colon other things to watch for. This worksheet is one of many worksheets that covers clear sentences. In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure.
This paper will address no child left behind, how to teach effectively, and instructing with multimedia. The words run, hunt and hike are the words or phrases in other cases in the series. Therefore, a parallel structure, otherwise known as parallelism, is a stylistic device used to increase the readability of ones writing by creating a word pattern that readers can easily follow. Check the rules for parallel structure and check your sentences as you write and when you proofread your work. Definition parallel structure is the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of. The use of parallel structure is essential for good writing, helping to add clarity and strength to your writing. Constructing sentences 5 constructing sentences checkup instructions there are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including runon sentences, sentence fragments, faulty parallel. In the non parallel structure, there are two gerunds acting as nouns and one infinitive to read, which makes the sentence awkward and harder to process.
By using parallel structure, the writer indicates that all of the items in the list are of equal importance. Parallel structure in sentences creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to demonstrate they are of equal importance. Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read. Parallel structure in sentences creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to demonstrate they are. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for. She likes neither to wash clothes nor cleaning the floor. Pdf reading time for the second clause of a conjoined sentence was found to be faster when the clause was structurally similar to the first clause.
The investment firm must choose to either disclose its clients to the sec or to immediately return the funds to those clients. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists. In the sentences below, fix any errors that you find in parallel structure. Definition, examples of parallel structures in writing definition, examples of parallel structures in writing parallelism definition. Emilio walked across the street, down the alley, and through the back door of his apartment. The power of parallel structure pubmed central pmc. I like to run infinitive, to swim infinitive, and to surf infinitive. As an essential component of sentence construction, understanding what a parallel structure is and how it is applied is extremely important. Achieving parallel structure parallelism ensures that similar clauses or phrases are uniform in expression and. Sentences with series, or lists, require particular attention to parallel construction. Parallel structure is a stylistic choice to make verbs in a sentence maintain a pattern.
Sentence parallel structure exercise 2 towson university. Parallel sentences structure and examples examples. Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. Each sentence below contains faulty parallelism with coordinate conjunctions.
Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form. For example, all verbs should be in the same tense and form. Tips on how to revise sentences to form a parallel structure. He was handsome, brave, and the sort of person who would do anything for you. Correct any errors in parallel structure in the following sentences.
A parallel structure is one of the things that english professors and teachers require students to learn about in order to refine their writing skills. Sentences that lack parallel structure must be revised so that actions or items in a pair or list have the same grammatical structure. If parallel structure sounds confusing, no worries. In grammar, it is also called parallel structure or parallel construction. Parallel structure is the placement of equal ideas in words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of similar types. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as. Be sure to do the writing clear sentences quiz at the end of all the worksheets. In the following examples, note the difference between correct parallel structure and faulty parallelism. Click on the link below to complete an exercise on parallel structure with linking. You can use to before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one. Your writing will be clearer if the ideas within each sentence are written in a similar way. This is a very special episode because its paiges last video with us as a ka intern. Revise each sentence so that the elements joined by the coordinate conjunction are parallel to one another.
In the four sentences below, circle the correct word or phrase that gives the sentence correct parallel structure. Joseph bought a jacket, a pair of shoes, and a tie. A simple sentence must also begin with a capital letter and end with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark. The plaintiff was wasting the courts time and prejudiced my client. Revise each sentence so that the elements joined by the coordinate. This worksheet was designed to help you better understand the importance of parallel structure. Rewrite the sentences and fix nonparallel elements. This parallel structure test checks if you can choose the parallel option, which. Apr 24, 2015 our brains are wired to look for patterns, so you can use parallel structure in your sentences to make your writing more memorable. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. Understanding parallel structure parallel structure also called parallelism is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. We will miss having paige as a contributor to the grammar team. Write correct next to the one that employs correct parallel structure and write faulty next to the one that uses faulty parallel structure. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words for two or more words or ideas in a sentence.
Parallel structure involves using the same pattern of words or the same voice in a list of items or ideas. Parallel structure means using the same construction for sentence elements that are the same in function. Its simply the practice of using the same structures or forms multiple times. Parallel structures are phrases or clauses within sentences that repeat the same word forms nouns, verbs, adjectives, and the like in the same order to perform the same function. Rhetorical question a question asked for effect or to emphasize a point that does not require a reply. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction. Maintaining parallelism helps writers avoid grammatically incorrect sentences.
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