Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas
have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level.
The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such
as "and" or "or."
Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a
chosen grammatical form. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of
multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence.
If there are two or more numbers of information in a sentence, grammatical form
of the first information must be followed to express the remaining ideas. In a
parallel structure, multiple information is usually connected by
coordinating conjunctions. A parallel structure can be constructed
in word, phrase or clause level in different sentences.
In English grammar, parallelism (also called parallel structure or parallel
construction) is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a
sentence.
Maintaining parallel structure helps you avoid grammatically incorrect sentences and
improves your writing style. Although lack of parallelism is not always strictly
incorrect, sentences with parallel structure are easier to read and add a sense of
balance to your writing.
Parallel construction is most commonly used in sentences containing elements that
appear in a series or in a pair. It is also applied to headings and outlines in academic
writing.
Parallel structure in a series
Use parallel construction when items in a series have an equal level of importance.
These items are usually joined by commas or semicolons along with and or or.
Parallel words
On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with
other adjectives, and so on.
Not parallel Parallel
The company is looking for a candidate who The company is looking for a candidate who
is friendly, organized, meticulous, and is going to arrive to work is friendly, organized, meticulous, and punctual.
on time.
When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an
infinitive (a verb beginning with to) with a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing) breaks
parallel structure.
Not parallel Parallel
The participants in the workshop learned how The participants in the workshop learned how
to communicate, negotiate, and working collaboratively for the to communicate, negotiate, and work collaboratively for the
most effective outcome. most effective outcome.
The participants in the workshop learned
about communicating, negotiating, and working
collaboratively for the most effective outcome.
Parallel phrases
Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same
grammatical structure.
For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.
Not parallel Parallel
Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical
caused memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and deters caused memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and insom
sleep.
As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not
mix phrases based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs.
Not parallel Parallel
Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records, Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records,
and to conduct visitor surveys. and conducting visitor surveys.
Parallel clauses
Parallelism is also applicable to a series of clauses in a sentence.
Not parallel Parallel
The report card stated that the student often talked in class, that The report card stated that the student often talked in class,
he bullied other students, and rarely finished his homework. he bullied other students, and that he rarely finished his
homework.
The report card stated that the student often talked in
class, bullied other students, and rarely finished his homewo
Lists after a colon
A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.
Not parallel Parallel
Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to sev
key causes: deregulation policies, spike in interest key causes: the enactment of deregulation policies, the spik
rates, manufacturing orders declining, and the emergence of interest rates, the decline in manufacturing orders, and the
asset bubbles. emergence of asset bubbles.
Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to sev
key causes: deregulation policies, high interest rates, low
manufacturing orders, and asset bubbles.
Parallel construction in pairs
Use parallel construction when a sentence contains a pair of connected ideas.
Pairs can be connected by coordinating conjunctions, which
include and, nor, but, or and yet.
Not parallel Parallel
She planned to collect data by either using an online She planned to collect data by either using an online
survey or phone interviews. survey or conducting phone interviews.
She planned to collect data through either online
surveys or phone interviews.
Use parallel structure when a pair of ideas are linked by a correlative conjunction,
such as not only…but also, either…or, and neither…nor.
Not parallel Parallel
His paper argues that the distinctive divergence in the two His paper argues that the distinctive divergence in the two
artists’ styles was not only shaped by their mutual rivalry but artists’ styles was shaped not only by their mutual rivalry bu
also because of the idiosyncratic tastes of patrons. also by the idiosyncratic tastes of patrons.
The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such
as over, than or as.
Not parallel Parallel
He prefers movie nights at home over going to loud house He prefers movie nights at home over loud house parties.
parties.
He prefers hosting movie nights at home over going to loud
house parties.
Outlines and headings
Headings that divide a paper into sections should be parallel. Likewise, parallel
structure should be applied to elements in paper outlines.
Not parallel Parallel
1. Origin of homeopathy 1. Origin of homeopathy
2. Initial reception 2. Initial reception
3. Rising to popularity in the 19th century 3. Rise to popularity in the 19th century
4. Recent studies show lack of evidence 4. Lack of evidence in recent studies
