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Mastering Parallel Structure in Writing

Parallel structure involves using similar grammatical forms to join words, phrases, or clauses that are equally important. It gives writers a way to expand sentences in a balanced manner. Examples show how using parallel nouns or verbal phrases in sentences provides additional details about the subject. Faulty parallelism occurs when different grammatical forms are used on either side of a connector like "or", resulting in an unbalanced structure. Care must be taken to ensure parallel elements match.

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3 views1 page

Mastering Parallel Structure in Writing

Parallel structure involves using similar grammatical forms to join words, phrases, or clauses that are equally important. It gives writers a way to expand sentences in a balanced manner. Examples show how using parallel nouns or verbal phrases in sentences provides additional details about the subject. Faulty parallelism occurs when different grammatical forms are used on either side of a connector like "or", resulting in an unbalanced structure. Care must be taken to ensure parallel elements match.

Uploaded by

Maestro Abdillah
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

Coordinating, connecting, joining words, phrases, or clauses that are equal importance. The word to
notice in this definition is equal. Parallel structure, placing of similiar items in similiar grammatical form,
gives the writer another strategy for expanding a sentence in a balanced way.

Example a :

Donna Chapman is a ranger.

Donna chapman, former gardener, secretary, and short-order cook, is now a ranger in large
national park.

Parallel nouns (gardener, secretary, and short-order cook ) give the reader more information abaout
[Link].

Example b :

She loves her job.

She loves her job giving information to the people, keeping the park, and preserving the natural
beauty of the wild areas.

Parallel verbal phrases ( giving ... , keeping ... , preserving ... ) add details abaout the nature of Ms.
Chapman’s job.

Faulty Parallelism
When you use parallel structure, always put the parts of the sentence that you are joining in the same
grammatical form. For example, placing nouns before or, and, or but requires another noun follow the
connector ( a swimmer, a golfer, or a jogger ). Failure to do so result in FAULTY PARALLELISM

(a swimmer, a golfer, or jogging).

Incorrect : Robert liked swimming, dancing, and to play basketball.

Correct : Robert liked swimming, dancing, and playing basketball.


or
: Robert liked to swim, to dance, and to play basketball.

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