Parallel Sentence Structure

What is “parallelism”?  Parallelism means something very similar to what it means in mathematics. Think of parallel lines:_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________  They're straight, they're equally spaced, they're very clearly "parallel".  To translate this mathematical concept to grammar, first think of a sentence. A sentence can be split up in many different ways: by word, by phrase, by part of speech, by items in a list. What parallelism says is that these similar parts of a sentence must be clearly similar, just like parallel lines are. For example, items in a list must all use the same verb form, and the same way of introducing themselves as being part of the list.

What is parallelism? (cont.)  Think of it like this: pretend that the parts of a sentence are lined up, one on top of the next, along their own parallel lines. Consider the sentence "Joe was trying to decide between eating, running, and to walk to the store". There are three items in the list of activities that Joe is considering, so separate these and imagine them on their own parallel lines: eating running________________________________________ to walk________________________________________  To be parallel, all verbs must look identical. In this case, one sticks out like a sore thumb: "to walk". Here's the correct version: eating_________________________________________ running________________________________________ walking________________________________________

What is parallelism? (cont.)  "Parallelism" means that all items or ideas in a sentence need to be in the same format.  Unlike some of the other grammatical topics we’ve covered in this class, parallelism is a pretty intuitive concept to master; there are no exceptions to memorize, no strange rules to remember. Once you understand the concept, you're pretty much good to go.

So when do we need to pay attention to whether or not something is parallel?

Use parallel structure when expressing a list:  For example: activities: running, biking, and hiking places: the store, the museum, and the restaurant ideas: how to read, how to write, and how to learn descriptions: quickly, quietly, and happily  Incorrect: The suspect had a scar on the right side of his face, a birthmark on his forehead, and was sporting a new beard.  Correct: The suspect had a scar on the right side of his face, a birthmark on his forehead, and a new beard.

How could you fix these lists to make them parallel?  Incorrect: Mary likes to hike, swimming, and to bike.  Correct: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to bike.  Incorrect: I would love to learn to fly a plane, to ride a horse, and knitting.  Correct: I would love to learn to fly a plane, to ride a horse, and to knit.

Carry through the same grammatical structure and order from one clause or phrase to the next:  “And” is a coordinating conjunction that joins things of equal importance. Noun and noun Verb and verb Phrase and phrase Clause and clause  There is a lack of parallel structure when “and” joins different things. Noun and verb Verb and phrase Etc.  This can also apply to other coordinating conjunctions (like “or” in the example below)  Incorrect: In the afternoon, we will either visit a museum or a zoo. This one isn’t right because “or” joins a verb and a noun – they’re not the same grammatical structure, so they’re not parallel  Correct: In the afternoon, we will either visit a museum or go to the zoo. Now it is correct because “or” joins a verb with another verb.

How could you fix these sentences to make them parallel?  Pat wanted a view of the west and to ride horseback. Underline what is joined by “and.” Does it join things of equal importance? No. It joins a noun and an infinitive. Pat wanted to view the west and to ride horseback.  Everyone needs sympathy and to be noticed. Underline what is joined by “and.” Does it join things of equal importance? No. It joins a noun and an infinitive. Everyone needs sympathy and attention.  The principal asked us to stand and that we remain silent for one minute. Underline what is joined by “and.” Does it join things of equal importance? No. It joins an infinitive and a clause. The principal asked that we stand and that we remain silent for one minute.

Use parallel verb tenses when one subject has multiple verbs:  Incorrect: The judge threw the gavel, yelled at the lawyer, and was overruling the objection for the twelfth time that day. Threw and yelled are in past tense, was overruling is in the past progressive tense  Correct: The judge threw the gavel, yelled at the lawyer, and overruled the objection for the twelfth time that day.  Incorrect: I like cross examining witnesses in trials and to argue appeals as well.  Correct: I like cross examining witnesses in trials and arguing appeals as well.

Use parallel structure when a sentence has multiple subjects:  Incorrect: The lawyer produced the gun, the judge accepted it into evidence, and it was removed from the courtroom by the bailiff.  Correct: The lawyer produced the gun, the judge accepted it into evidence, and the bailiff removed it from the courtroom.