1. Parallelism is a stylistic arrangement in which similar syntactic patterns repeat, thus allowing reader or listener to rely on the grammatical repetition to echo the logical similarity of the thought and thus improving the clarity and efficiency of the passage:

2. In other words… An arrangement of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs so that elements of equal importance are equally developed and similarly phrased.

3. Consider these examples! The new car was too small, too brightly colored, and too expensive. He was tall and homely, and she was short and pretty.

4. FAULTY PARALLELISM He likes to swim and diving too. He likes to swim and to dive. or He likes swimming and diving.

5. My father is a teacher very knowledgeable about his subject and who shows great enthusiasm as well. Another Example…

6. Say or write either My father is a teacher who is … and who shows … or My father is a teacher very knowledgeable … and very enthusiastic as well.

7. Examples in Reading Parallelism also refers to the repetition of longer syntatical structures as well. The Scarlet Letter –Passage 5: subordinate clauses –Question 34 –Passage 6: introductory phrases –Question 37 –Passage 7: predicate nominatives –Question 50

8. If the latter possess native sagacity, and a nameless something more, -- let us call it intuition; if he show no intrusive egotism, nor disagreeably prominent characteristics of his own; if he have the power, which must be born with him, to bring his mind into such affinity with his patient's, that this last shall unawares have spoken what he imagines himself only to have thought; if such revelations be received without tumult, and acknowledged not so often by an uttered sympathy, as by silence, an inarticulate breath, and here and there a word, to indicate that all is understood; if, to these qualifications of a confidant be joined the advantages afforded by his recognized character as a physician; -- then, at some inevitable moment, will the soul of the sufferer be dissolved, and flow forth in a dark, but transparent stream, bringing all its mysteries into the daylight. From Chapter 9 of The Scarlet Letter

9. If the latter possess native sagacity, and a nameless something more, -- let us call it intuition; if he show no intrusive egotism, nor disagreeably prominent characteristics of his own; if he have the power, which must be born with him, to bring his mind into such affinity with his patient's, that this last shall unawares have spoken what he imagines himself only to have thought;

10. if such revelations be received without tumult, and acknowledged not so often by an uttered sympathy, as by silence, an inarticulate breath, and here and there a word, to indicate that all is understood; if, to these qualifications of a confidant be joined the advantages afforded by his recognized character as a physician; -- then, at some inevitable moment, will the soul of the sufferer be dissolved, and flow forth in a dark, but transparent stream, bringing all its mysteries into the daylight.

11. Group Assignment: You have one opportunity to address someone (whoever you choose) about a topic of your choice. Write ONE sentence. –It must model parallelism. –Repeats at least ONE syntatical structure three consecutive times. (verbs, subordinate clauses, etc.) –Best sentence wins!!!