Parallel Structure

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• Parallel Structure

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Parallel Structure

• Parallel structure means using the same pattern
  of words to show that two or more ideas have the
  same level of importance.

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Parallel Structure

• Use parallel structure when dealing with two or
  more items in a series.

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Parallel Structure

• This would be words/phrases/clauses connected by
  conjunctions like and or or or
  words/phrases/clauses separated by commas.

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Rule 1

• Do NOT mix forms!

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Rule 1

• This means if one item is in the infinitive form,
  then all must be in the infinitive form.

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Rule 1

• This means if one item is in the gerund form,
  then all must be in the gerund form.

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Rule 1

• Same for prepositional phrases and participles.

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Examples

• Mary likes hiking, to swim, and bicycling.

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Examples

• Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.

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Examples

• The manager had to write his report quickly,
  accurately, and in a thorough manner.

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Examples

• The manager had to write his report quickly,
  accurately, and thoroughly.

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Examples

• Parallel structure can be part of the subject or
  the predicate.

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Examples

• Eating in class and to put your feet on the desk
  are prohibited behaviors.

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Examples

• Eating in class and putting your feet on the
  desk are prohibited behaviors.

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Clauses

• There isnt a strict rule for clauses other than
  that each clause must match in structure.

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Example

• I told you that you should get ample sleep, that
  you should eat a good lunch, and to practice your
  part.

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Example

• I told you that you should get ample sleep, that
  you should eat a good lunch, and that you should
  practice your part.

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Lists after a colon

• After a colon, make sure all items are in the
  same form.

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Lists after a colon

• Use the dictionary for these reasons to find
  word meanings, pronunciations, and looking up
  irregular verbs.

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Lists after a colon

• Use the dictionary for these reasons to find
  word meanings, pronunciations, and irregular
  verbs.

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Parallel Structure

• When editing writing, look for all instances of
  conjunctions as well as commas separating words.
  Check to make sure parallel structure is in place.

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Parallel Structure

• This includes correlating conjunctions such as
  not only/ but also and either/ or.

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Parallel Structure

• When you have these conjunctions, make sure what
  comes after each part of the conjunction is
  parallel.

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Parallel Structure

• Ex
• I like not only to sleep on my side, but also
  using four pillows.

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Parallel Structure

• Ex
• I like not only to sleep on my side, but also
  using four pillows.

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Parallel Structure

• Ex
• I like not only to sleep on my side, but also to
  use four pillows.

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Parallel Structure

• Ex
• I like not only sleeping on my side, but also
  using four pillows.