1. Writing Lab
Parallelism

2. Parallelism
The secret to perfect parallelism is to make sure everything is the same.

3. Locate the elements; then make them match
This is a report that Savanna researched, Pat wrote, and the editing was done by Justin.
Savanna researched
Pat wrote
Justin edited

4. Locate the elements; then make them match
She described the accident fully, accurately, and with succinctness.
fully
accurately
succinctly

5. Balance each side of your FANBOYS
He was black, gay, and grew up in poverty, but none of these things determined who he was or limited what he did.
Look for the conjunction: AND
Match the left and right side of the conjunction:
Not a match: black, gay, and grew up in poverty
A match: black, gay, and poor

6. Balance each side of your FANBOYS
He was black, gay, and grew up in poverty, but none of these things determined who he was or limited what he did.
Look for the conjunction: OR
Match the left and right side of the conjunction:
A match:
determined who he was or
limited what he did

7. Meet the correlative conjunctions
If you have one, you have to have the other. either or neither nor both and not only but also whether or

8. Either or
Ora spent the entire trip either arguing with me or with Virginia.
Ora spent the entire trip arguing either with me or with Virginia.
P.S. This rule also applies to “neither nor,” “whether or,” and “both and.”

9. Remember to use “not only” with “but also”
INCORRECT:
I always liked going to church not only as an obligation but as an opportunity to wear my new clothes.
CORRECT:
I always liked going to church not only as an obligation but also as an opportunity to wear my new clothes.

10. Parallelism in a Series
WRONG: We need a plumber, plasterer, and someone to paint.
RIGHT: We need a plumber, plasterer, and painter.

11. Parallelism in a Series
WRONG: Our vacation included camping, canoeing, and to watch birds.
RIGHT: Our vacation included camping, canoeing, and bird-watching.

12. Parallelism in Outlines
Levels of English Usage
I. Standard
A. Informal English
1. Colloquialisms
2. Slang
3. Cliches
B. Formal English
1. Academic English
2. Business English
II. Nonstandard English
A. Dialect
B. Misspoken forms
C. “Bad” English

13. Parallelism with Words
WRONG: This proposal is profitable, timely, and it helps us.
RIGHT: This proposal is profitable, timely, and helpful.

14. Parallelism with Phrases
WRONG: A good attitude, being on time, and speaking effectively are her attributes.
RIGHT: Having a good attitude, being on time, and speaking effectively are her attributes.

15. Parallelism with Clauses
WRONG: Did you know that you have a purpose, that you are needed, and we love you?
RIGHT: Did you know that you have a purpose, that you are needed, and that you are loved?

16. Parallelism
For more tips, go to to look at our printable handouts and mini-lessons.