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Mastering Parallel Structure in Writing

The document discusses parallel structure and its importance in writing. Parallel structure means using the same grammatical pattern for elements that are similar in significance. This enhances clarity. The document provides examples of parallel and non-parallel constructions using gerunds, infinitive phrases, adverbs, noun phrases, and verb tenses. Maintaining parallel structure is important for clear communication.

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46 views1 page

Mastering Parallel Structure in Writing

The document discusses parallel structure and its importance in writing. Parallel structure means using the same grammatical pattern for elements that are similar in significance. This enhances clarity. The document provides examples of parallel and non-parallel constructions using gerunds, infinitive phrases, adverbs, noun phrases, and verb tenses. Maintaining parallel structure is important for clear communication.

Uploaded by

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

Parallel Structure – 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.

Observing parallelism enhances the clarity and readability of one’s written output.

Example

Mary likes hiking, swimming and to cycle. NOT PARALLEL

Mary likes hiking, swimming and cycling. PARALLEL

Using Parallel Structure

a. Gerunds – words that end in -ing.


Faulty
Surfing, swimming and to dive are the hobbies of my bestfriend.
Parallel
Surfing, swimming and diving are the hobbies of my bestfriend.
b. Infinitive Phrase – a group of words that uses an infinitive (“to”+verb)
Faulty
Ashley likes skiing, to swim and to jump.
Parallel
Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump.
c. Adverbs
Faulty
The soldiers approached the enemy camp slowly and silent.
Parallel
The soldiers approached the enemy camp slowly and silently.
d. Noun Phrases – a group of words in a sentence that together behave as a noun.
Faulty
Mr. Evan is a lawyer, a politician and he teaches.
Parallel
Mr. Evan is a lawyer, a politician and a teacher.
e. Parallel Structure in Verb Tense – a parallel structure should be used when it comes to verb
tense. Your verb tenses should always match.
Present, Past, Future
Faulty
Yesterday, we watched a movie, play video games and made pizza.
Parallel
Yesterday, we watched a movie, played video games and made pizza.

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