Parallel Structure in English Grammar
(সমান্তরাল গঠন)
Introduction
Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is a grammatical principle that requires
similar grammatical forms to be used within a sentence when expressing related
ideas.
Parallel structure হলো এমন একটি ব্যাকরণিক নিয়ম যেখানে একই ধরনের ধারণা প্রকাশ করতে
একই grammatical form ব্যবহার করা হয়।
It is especially important in:
● academic writing
● formal essays
● speeches
● lists and comparisons
1. Basic Idea of Parallel Structure
When two or more ideas are joined, they should have the same grammatical form.
Example:
She likes reading, writing, and speaking.
She likes to read, write, and speak.
She likes reading, writing, and to speak.
2. Parallel Structure with Words
A. Noun + Noun + Noun
She bought a book, a pen, and a notebook.
(সে একটি বই, একটি কলম এবং একটি খাতা কিনেছে।)
B. Verb + Verb + Verb
He runs, swims, and cycles every day.
(সে প্রতিদিন দৌড়ায়, সাঁতার কাটে এবং সাইকেল চালায়।)
C. Adjective + Adjective + Adjective
The room is clean, bright, and spacious.
(ঘরটি পরিষ্কার, উজ্জ্বল এবং প্রশস্ত।)
3. Parallel Structure with Gerunds
She enjoys reading, writing, and listening.
He is good at speaking, writing, and presenting.
She enjoys reading, writing, and to speak.
4. Parallel Structure with Infinitives
She wants to study, to travel, and to learn.
He decided to leave, to rest, and to think.
More natural (preferred):
She wants to study, travel, and learn.
5. Parallel Structure in Phrases
A. Prepositional Phrases
She is interested in music, in art, and in literature.
More natural:
She is interested in music, art, and literature.
B. Correlative Conjunctions
(very important in exams)
Either…or
You can either study hard or improve your skills.
You can either study hard or to improve your skills.
Neither…nor
She is neither tired nor hungry.
She is neither tired nor hungry to eat.
Both…and
She is both intelligent and hardworking.
She is both intelligent and works hard.
Not only…but also
She is not only smart but also hardworking.
She is not only smart but also she works hard.
6. Parallel Structure in Clauses
She said that she would study and that she would succeed.
He believes that language shapes thought and that culture influences
communication.
7. Parallel Structure in Lists
In academic writing, lists must be parallel.
The study aims to:
● identify patterns
● analyze data
● explain findings
The study aims to:
● identify patterns
● data analysis
● explaining findings
8. Importance in Academic Writing
Parallel structure is essential because it:
● improves clarity
● ensures logical flow
● enhances readability
● gives professional tone
Example (Academic Style):
The research focuses on data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
9. Common Errors
Incorrect Correct
She likes reading, writing, and to She likes reading, writing, and
speak. speaking.
He is smart, kind, and helps others. He is smart, kind, and helpful.
I enjoy to swim, running, and cycling. I enjoy swimming, running, and
cycling.
10. Quick Rules
● Use same grammatical form in lists
● Keep verbs in same form
● Keep adjectives consistent
● Avoid mixing gerund + infinitive + base form