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Parallel Structures

Parallel structure, or parallelism, involves using similar grammatical forms to enhance clarity and cohesion in writing. It is crucial for effective communication, as it allows readers to process information more easily, while faulty parallelism disrupts flow and clarity. The document provides rules and examples for maintaining proper parallel structure in writing.

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3 views1 page

Parallel Structures

Parallel structure, or parallelism, involves using similar grammatical forms to enhance clarity and cohesion in writing. It is crucial for effective communication, as it allows readers to process information more easily, while faulty parallelism disrupts flow and clarity. The document provides rules and examples for maintaining proper parallel structure in writing.

Uploaded by

loureabagtas
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Parallel Structures

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is using two or more words, phrases, or clauses of similar
grammatical structure or pattern to show that they are of the same value or importance. This technique ensures
consistency and clarity, making writing more cohesive and easier to follow. This technique is essential for
maintaining "rhyme and reason" in academic prose, as it allows readers to process complex information more
efficiently (Oshima & Hogue, 2020).

For example, in the sentence "She enjoys reading, writing, and dancing," all verbs (reading, writing,
dancing) follow the same pattern, creating a balanced and rhythmic structure.

On the other hand, faulty parallelism is when two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are of the same
importance do not appear in similar grammatical structure or pattern, thereby disrupting the flow and clarity of
the sentence. For instance, in the sentence "She likes reading, to write, and dancing," the structure is inconsistent
because "to write" does not match the -ing form of "reading" and "dancing." Correcting faulty parallelism ensures
that ideas presented with similar significance are aligned grammatically, enhancing readability and
communication.

Examples:

Faulty Parallelism: To get ready for my class, I need to design my lesson plan and preparing my instructional
materials.
Parallel Structure: To get ready for my class, I need to design my lesson plan and prepare my instructional
materials.

Parallelism rules:
Words, phrases, or clauses that are alike in function should also be alike in construction.

1. Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Example: The consequences of war include destruction of property, loss of life and livelihoods, and erosion of
societal structures and values.

2. Use parallel structure with elements in a list or in a series.

Example: In the pursuit of justice, it is imperative to ensure fair, objective, and equitable distribution of resources.

3. Use parallel structure with elements being compared.

Example: The aftermath of war often reveals that the scars left on humanity's collective consciousness are more
enduring than the short victories claimed on the battlefield.

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