Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever read a sentence that felt awkward or unbalanced? Chances are, it lacked parallelism—a powerful grammatical tool that brings harmony and clarity to your writing.
Parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, ensures that similar elements in a sentence are grammatically consistent. Mastering this skill can transform your writing, making it more polished, rhythmic, and engaging.
This guide will walk you through the definition of parallelism, its key rules, and practical examples to help you apply this essential technique in your writing.
Definition of Parallelism
Parallelism refers to the balanced and harmonious arrangement of similar words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. This balance ensures that the sentence is not only grammatically correct but also aesthetically pleasing.
Parallel construction eliminates awkwardness, enhances coherence, and creates a sense of rhythm in your writing.
For example:
- Non-Parallel: Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet, and to play the guitar.
- Parallel: Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet, and the guitar.
Rules of Parallelism in Grammar
To master parallelism, follow these key rules:
- Balancing Similar Elements:
Ensure that all items in a list or series follow the same grammatical structure.- Incorrect: Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet, and play the guitar.
- Correct: Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet, and the guitar.
- Coordinating Conjunctions:
When using conjunctions like and, or, or but, ensure the connected elements are parallel.- Incorrect: My mother likes cooking and to read.
- Correct: My mother likes cooking and reading.
- Lists or Series:
Maintain consistency in structure when listing items.- Incorrect: This task can be done individually, in pairs, or can be done in groups of four.
- Correct: This task can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups of four.
- Comparisons:
Use parallel structures when comparing two elements.- Incorrect: She is mad about watching TV more than to read a book.
- Correct: She is mad about watching TV more than reading a book.
- Linking Verbs or Forms of “To Be”:
Ensure that both sides of the linking verb are parallel.- Incorrect: To learn is understanding the world.
- Correct: To learn is to understand the world.
- Linking Words:
Use parallel structures with linking words like not only…but also, either…or, and neither…nor.- Incorrect: The teacher not only wants his students to keep quiet but also to do the task.
- Correct: The teacher wants his students not only to keep quiet but also to do the task.
Examples of Parallel Structures
Examples of Parallel Structures
Here are more examples of parallelism in English:
- Nouns with Nouns:
- Incorrect: His hobbies include swimming and to play chess.
- Correct: His hobbies include swimming and playing chess.
- Prepositional Phrases with Prepositional Phrases:
- Incorrect: She walked to the store with determination and in a hurry.
- Correct: She walked to the store with determination and with a sense of urgency.
- Participles with Participles:
- Incorrect: The chef enjoys creating new recipes and experiment with flavors.
- Correct: The chef enjoys creating new recipes and experimenting with flavors.
Grammatical Parallelism In English: Example Sentences
Here are some examples of parallelism in English writing:
- She enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming in the great outdoors.
- To succeed in the business world, one must work diligently, communicate effectively, and adapt quickly.
- The conference focused on innovation, collaboration, and the future of technology.
- Learning a new language involves listening, speaking, and practicing regularly.
- The art gallery featured paintings by local artists, sculptures crafted by students, and photographs capturing the essence of the city.
- He is not only a talented musician but also a skilled writer and an accomplished painter.
- The project requires creativity, dedication, and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Our company values integrity, transparency, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- The workshop covered important topics such as time management, effective communication, and building strong professional relationships.
- She prefers reading mystery novels, exploring historical sites, and attending classical music concerts.
- The team discussed potential strategies, analyzed market trends, and developed a comprehensive business plan.
- The benefits of regular exercise include increased energy, improved mood, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
- The chef carefully selected fresh ingredients, prepared flavorful sauces, and garnished each dish with precision.
- The organization aims to promote education, support local communities, and create sustainable environmental initiatives.
- Effective leadership involves inspiring others, fostering teamwork, and making strategic decisions for the long-term success of the team.
FAQs About Parallelism
Why is parallelism important in writing?
Parallelism enhances clarity, readability, and rhythm in writing. It ensures that sentences flow smoothly and ideas are presented cohesively.
Can parallelism be used in speech as well?
Yes! Parallelism is equally important in speech. It makes your spoken language more persuasive and memorable, especially in public speaking or presentations.
What are common mistakes to avoid with parallelism?
Common mistakes include mismatched verb forms, inconsistent prepositions, and unbalanced structures in lists or comparisons. Always ensure that similar elements follow the same grammatical pattern.
Is parallelism only about grammar?
No, parallelism also has a stylistic function. It creates a sense of balance and harmony, making your writing more engaging and aesthetically pleasing.
How can I practice parallelism in English?
Start by reviewing your sentences for balance. Look for lists, comparisons, and conjunctions, and ensure the connected elements are parallel. You can also try rewriting non-parallel sentences to improve your skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering parallelism in English is an essential skill for any writer seeking to enhance the clarity and flow of their writing.
Understanding and applying the rules of parallel structure can transform your sentences into polished, well-balanced expressions that captivate your readers and elevate the overall quality of your writing.
More on parallelism in English here.