Parallelism

What is parallel structure? Parallel structure involves putting together elements of similar structure to achieve balanced writing. Winston Churchill did not say: I have nothing to offer but bleeding, toil, tears, and sweating. He said: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.

Parallel Structure in Sentences Poor: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny. Improved: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny humour. Poor: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts, and revision. Improved: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts, and revision revise your work.

Can you identify and correct the faulty parallelism in the sentence below? WRONG: A good attitude, being on time, and speaking effectively are her best attributes. A good attitude Being on time Speaking effectively RIGHT: Having a good attitude, being on time, and speaking effectively are her attributes. Having a good attitude Being on time Speaking effectively

Let’s try it again: WRONG: This proposal is profitable, timely, and it helps us. RIGHT: This proposal is profitable, timely, and helpful. Profitable Timely It helps us Profitable Timely Helpful

Parallelism with Correlative Conjunctions WRONG: Vitamin A is found not only in vegetables, but eggs and butter have it. In vegetables Eggs and butter have it RIGHT: Vitamin A is found not only in vegetables, but also in eggs and butter. In vegetables In eggs and butter

Try it on your own. Many gases are invisible, odorless, and they have no taste. Mr. Foster is not only an excellent barber but also sings well. Three of the steps in filing are to code, to sort, and storing.

Revised Sentences Many gases are invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Mr. Foster is not only an excellent barber but also a good singer. Three of the steps in filing are to code, to sort, and to store.