Parallelism(समाांतरवाद)

Definition of parallelism
The balance between two or more similar words, phrases or clauses is called
parallelism in grammar. Parallelism is also called parallel structure or parallel
construction. Parallel construction prevents awkwardness, promotes clarity and
improves writing style and readability.
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

The definition of parallelism is based on the word “parallel,” which means “to run
side by side with.” There are two kinds of parallelism in writing—parallelism as
a grammatical principle and parallelism as a literary device.
Sentences are easier and more pleasant to read if there is an agreement in their
grammatical structure, particularly when it comes to lists. This principle is known
as parallelism, parallel structure or parallel construction. For example:

• Faulty parallelism: “The finale was illogical, rushed, and it disappointed.”

(Two adjectives and a verb.)
• Successful parallelism: “The finale was illogical, rushed, and
disappointing.” (Three adjectives.

Examples:

▪ Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and play the guitar.
Nancy likes the piano, the trumpet and the guitar.
Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and the guitar.
▪ She played basketball, had a shower and gone to school.
She played basketball, had a shower and went to school.
▪ You can apply to the job by filling this form or apply by telephone.
You can apply to the job by filling this form or you can apply by telephone.

Rules of parallelism

1. Parallelism is used to balance nouns with nouns, prepositional phrases with

prepositional phrases, participles with participles, infinitives with infinitives,
clauses with clauses.
2. Parallelism is used with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.
My mother likes cooking and to read.
My mother likes cooking and reading
3. Parallelism is used with elements in lists or in a series.
This task can be done individually, in pairs, or can be done in groups of
four.
This task can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups of four.
4. Parallelism is used with elements being compared.
She is mad about watching TV more than to read a book .
She is mad about watching TV more than reading a book.
5. Parallelism is used with elements joined by a linking verb or a form of be
To learn is understanding the world.
To learn is to understand the world.
6. Parallelism is used with elements joined by linking words.
The teacher not only wants his students to keep quiet but also to do the
task .
The teacher wants his students not only to keep quiet but also to do the task .
, Number of
7.
8.
9. shares18

Parallel Structure

Sentence elements that are alike in function should also be alike in

construction. These elements should be in the same grammatical form so
that they are parallel.

Using parallel structure in your writing will help with

10. 1) economy 2) clarity 3) equality 4) delight.
11.
12. Here are five parallelism rules.
13. 1. Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating
conjunctions.

14.
15.
16. 2. Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series.
17.

18.
19. 3. Use parallel structure with elements being compared. (X is more than /
better than Y)

20.
21.
22. 4. Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of
being.

23.
24.
25. 5. Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction.
Parallelism Practice/Exercise

A)

Q. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure.

answer choices
The children laughed, jumped, and danced
The children were laughing, jumped, and some were dancing.

Q. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure.

answer choices
You are not only a student but also very athletic
You are not only a student but also an athlete.

Q. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel.

Ron was an expert tennis player and __________.
answer choices
went fishing
fished
liked to go fishing
an avid fisherman

Q. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel.

Rebecca was not only my boss, but also__________.
answer choices
is my friend
says she is my friend
friendly
my friend
Q. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel.
Don would always open the mail, throw away the junk mail, and ___________.
answer choices
to organize the bills
organizing the bills
organize the bills
organization of the bills

Q. The factory workers were ready, able and were quite determined to do a great
job.
This sentence is:
answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. The factory workers were ready, able and were quite determined to do a great
job.
This sentence is:
answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. The computer network is safer, stronger, and quicker.

answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life.

answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and to talk
with fans.
answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. Either you can join the army or the navy.

answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. When I was in high school, I learned piano and how to play the guitar.
answer choices
Parallel
Not parallel

Q. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure

answer choices
He came, he saw, and he received.
He came, he wanted to see, but he didn't.
He came; he started to ask; he didn't want to.
He saw, didn't come or receive.
B)
Parallelism Grammar Exercises with Answers #
1 Eggs contain not only protein but are also are full of vitamins.
#1 (Answer) Eggs contain not only protein (noun) but also vitamins (noun).
#2 They are low in sodium but do not have many calories.
#2 (Answer) They are low in sodium but high in calories.
#3 Eggs, however, are high in cholesterol and rather fat-filled.
#3 (Answer) Eggs, however, are high in cholesterol and in fat.
#4 The yolk of one egg contains 213 milligrams of cholesterol and there are 5 grams
of fat.
#4 (Answer) The yolk of one egg contains 213 milligrams of cholesterol and 5
grams of fat.
#5 Still, the whites are both fat-free and have no cholesterol.
#5 (Answer) Still, the whites are both fat-free and cholesterol-free.
#6 Some people would rather not eat eggs at all than if they can only have egg whites.
#6 (Answer) Some people would rather not eat eggs at all than eat only egg whites.
#7 The American Heart Association recommends no more than four yolks a week,
but eggs may be eaten more often by some people.
#7 (Answer) The American Heart Association recommends no more than four yolks
a week, but some people may eat eggs more often.
#8 Raw eggs should not be eaten by people who are very young, pregnant, elderly,
or have immune system impairments.
#8 (Answer) Raw eggs should not be eaten by people who are very young, pregnant,
elderly, or impaired in their immune system. (note that all four underlined words are
adjectives; hence, all are in parallel structure)
#9 Keep eggs refrigerated, cook them thoroughly, and you should throw away any
cracked one.
#9 (Answer) Keep eggs refrigerated, cook them thoroughly, and throw away any
cracked one.
#10 Generally, it is better to eat eggs moderately than avoiding them entirely.
 #10 (Answer) Generally, it is better to eat eggs moderately than to avoid them
entirely.

C)

1. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I have worked in Spain and in Ireland.
B. Yesterday, I had the new pipes and the new air filter installed
C. Susan is smart, diligent, and a hard worker.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

2. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. Higher education is suffering from the twin evils of bureaucracy and politics.
B. Mary is a professor of linguistics but who teaches in an English department.
C. Syntax, morphology, and phonology are the core areas of linguistics.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

3. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I hope to vacation either in Spain or in Ireland.
B. I hope either to marry the woman of my dreams or the woman of his dreams.
C. Either I will or I won't.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

4. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. Bill not only passed the test but also wrote the best paper in the class.
B. Bill not only talked the talk but also walked the walk.
C. Bill not only helped me with my homework, but he walked my dog while I
was on vacation in Ireland, and I didn't even buy him a tee-shirt. I feel like a complete
idiot. Duh!
 D. all of the above
E. none of the above

5. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. She bought a Harley and Kawasaki.
B. She bought a Harley and a Kawasaki.
C. The Harley started on alternate weekends; the Kawasaki started every time
and was half the price.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

6. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I was happy and my parents happy too when I graduated.
B. I was happy and my parents were happy too when I graduated
C. both of the above
D. neither of the above

7. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I always have and will teach summer school.
B. I always have taught and will teach summer school.
C. both of the above
D. neither of the above

8. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I was repulsed but interested in his disgusting story.
B. He is as employable, if not more employable than, an English major.
C. They were interested, but my girlfriend completely uninterested.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

9. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. I have always and always will call my banker once per week.
B. I have always called and always will call my banker once per week.
 C. both of the above
D. neither of the above

10. Which of the following sentences is grammatically nonparallel?

A. My banker is a man who has many talents and who will help anyone who
asks.
B. My banker is a hero and a saint.
C. My banker is handsome, strong, and sings well.
D. all of the above
E. none of the above

Exercise on Parallel Structure with Explanation

D)
1. I want this to be done ___

precisely, carefully and as soon as with accurate measure, carefully,

possible. immediately
precisely, carefully and precisely, with proper precaution and
immediately immediately.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

2. His actions were –

bold, with lots of courage and laudable. bold, courageous and laudable.
bold, with lots of courage and can be bold, courageous and can be
praised. praised.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

3. She was –

not so strong, without any defense and

weak, vulnerable and stupid. stupid.
 weak, without any defense and weak, vulnerable and lacked
stupid. intelligence.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adjective form.

4. Doctor advised him –

to stay at home, taking proper staying at home, to take proper

medication and avoiding junk food. medication and to avoid junk food.
to stay at home, to take proper to stay at home, to take proper
medication and avoiding junk food. medication and to avoid junk food.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in phrase form.

5. My wife is ___

an artist, sings and dances. an artist, a singer and dances.

an artist, a singer and a dancer. an artist. Sings and a dancer.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in noun form.

6. I asked him to finish reading the book ___

as soon as possible and

thoroughly. quickly and thoroughly.
quickly and in a detailed soon as possible and to be as precise at it
manner. can be.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

7. The protest was –

peaceful, organized and goal not violent, without any chaos and
oriented. goal oriented.
peaceful, without any chaos and not violent, organized and not
goal oriented. scattered.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adjective form.

8. I know you can complete the task –

not requiring any help, within time and not requiring any help, timely and
avoiding errors. accurately.
alone, within time and avoiding errors. alone, timely and accurately.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

9. Don’t leave me here –

alone, helpless and alone, without any assistance and eyes tied
blindfolded. up.
alone, helpless and eyes tied alone, without any assistance and
up. blindfolded.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adjective form.

10. While visiting New York we –

roamed around, eating at restaurants roaming around, ate at restaurants

and enjoyed our stay there. and enjoyed our stay there.
roamed around, ate at restaurants and roamed around, ate at restaurants
enjoying our stay there. and enjoyed our stay there.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in phrase form.

11. She likes –

reading, writing and to recite. to read, to write and reciting.

to read, to write and to recite. to read, writing and reciting.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in infinitive form.
12. After finishing my dinner I usually like to ____

watching movies, playing video watch movies, play video games and
games and drink coffee. drink coffee.
watch movies, playing video games watching movies, play video games
and drink coffee. and drinking coffee.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in “verb + noun” form.

13. The story is –

thrilling, romantic and factious. a thriller, romantic and factious.

thriller, romantic and a fiction. thriller, romantic and a fiction.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adjective form.

14. This girl is –

beautiful, have lots of talent and a thing of beauty, intelligent and is

will definitely grow into an adorable going to be grown into an adorable
woman. woman.
beautiful, intelligent and will a thing of beauty, have lots of talent
definitely grow into an adorable and is going to be grown into an adorable
woman. woman.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
it suggests different action will take place at different times.

15. What he submitted was –

nonsense, without any proper meaning and nonsense, meaningless and

didn’t have any organization. unorganized.
had no sense, meaningless and wasn’t nonsense, had no meaning
properly organized. and unorganized.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adjective form.
16. While writing for an exam you should be more –

precise, carefully and punctually. precise, careful and punctually.

precisely, carefully, and punctual. precise, careful and punctual.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

17. During winter it feels –

cold, with a chill and not so

comfortable. cold, chilly and uncomfortable.
not so warm, chilly and not so warm, chilly and not so
uncomfortable. comfortable.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in noun form.

18. After losing the game the manager blamed players’ lack of –

concentration, proper attitude and concentrating, proper attitude and

motivation. motivation.
concentration, proper attitude and concentrating, proper attitude and
not being motivated. not being motivated.
Your Answer is WrongCorrect Answer: concentration, proper attitude and
motivation.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in adverb form.

19. She told me –

to be more responsible, spending being responsible, to spend more

more times with her and being more times with her and to be more
affectionate. affectionate.
to be responsible, to spend more
to be responsible, to spend more times times with her and to be more
with her and being more affectionate. affectionate.
Explanation: The selected option is the only viable one out of the given ones as
all the words are in phrase form.

20. Money can’t help you to buy –

happiness, being peaceful and a being happy, peace and a perfect

perfect family. family.
happiness, peace and a perfect being happy, being peaceful and a
family. perfect family.
Explanation: Option 3 is the only viable one out of the given ones as all the words
are in noun form here.