Parallel Structure Composition Purdue University Online Writing Lab

What’s the problem? According to Mr. Morrow, Mrs. Morrow enjoys shopping for things we don’t need, to talk on the phone, and will nag him.

Parallelism a.k.a. Parallel Structure Parallel structure is the placement of equal ideas in words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of similar types. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. Tip: Check the structure on either side of commas and conjunctions (FANBOYS) to see if the structures, words, phrases, clauses, and verbs match.

Phrases With the -ing form (gerund) of words:-ing form (gerund)  Not Parallel: Mary likes to hike, swimming, and bicycling.  Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. With infinitive phrases:infinitive  Not Parallel: Mary likes to hike, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.  Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.  Parallel: Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.

Adjectives and Adverbs If a list begins with an adjective or adverb, continue the list with the same part of speech: Adverbs:  Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.  Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly. Adjectives:  Not Parallel: The day was an interesting one and very educational.  Parallel: The day was both interesting and educational.

Verbs Make verbs in parallel phrases agree in tense and phrasing:  Not Parallel: The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam and lacks motivation.  Parallel: The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam and lacked motivation.

Clauses A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue with clauses of the same type (adverb, noun, and adjective clauses):  Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.  Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.  Not Parallel: I used to play basketball before school, but now play after school.  Parallel: I used to play basketball before school, but I now play after school.

Lists After a Colon Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.  Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.  Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Articles Use an article to introduce a list, or use an article before each part in a list.  Incorrect: The girls, the car, and cooler were packed and ready to go.  Correct: The girls, the car, and the cooler were packed and ready to go.  Correct: The girls, car, and cooler were packed and read to go.

Activity Rewrite the part(s) of each sentence that must be changed to create parallelism.

#1 In science class we used to learn only by listening, but now a hands-on approach to learning is also being used.

#2 The Martins, the Burkes, Hansens, and Southwicks all came to my birthday party last summer.

#3 She looked at me with anger and hating after I ruined her party.

#4 It had been both an interesting assembly and very short.

#5 My problems with the cook are that she is always rude, and the way she brushes her hair over the food she cooks.

#6 Either you should start studying more, or getting extra help would be a good idea.

#7 I spent a lot of time working toward success and filled out many job applications.

#8 She likes to read and write, and cooking delicious meals for her family.

#9 Do you prefer working in groups or alone?

#10 He looked sleepy and lacks energy.