1. Parallel Structure Parallel Structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at three levels:  Word  Phrase – group of words without a subject/verb  Clause – group of words containing a subject and a verb

2. Words and Phrases Incorrect: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle. Correct: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

3. More Examples: Words & Phrases Incorrect: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. Correct: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

4. Examples continued: Incorrect: Angry ants, munched the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop. Correct: Angry ants, munching marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.

5. Clauses Parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue on with clauses. Incorrect: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game. Correct: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game

6. Lists after a colon Incorrect: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. Correct: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

7. Other things to watch for: Use parallel structure with pairs of words or ideas. Examples: Granny’s method was tried and true. Man proposes. God disposes.

8. Use parallel structure on both sides of coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so) Examples: She possessed all the wizard’s charm yet none of the wizard’s insight. Consult a doctor if your coughing persists or if your coughing worsens over the weekend.

9. Correct the sentences with improper parallel structure. Sabrina has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality. Sabrina has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.

10. Continued - In English class, Elizabeth learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose. In English class, Elizabeth learned to read poems critically and appreciate good prose.

11. Continued- Coach George was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and friend. Coach George was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor, and a wise friend.

12. Continued - We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was embarrassing. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing. Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and he had it conveniently arranged. Mr. Tran kept his store clean, neat, and conveniently arranged.

13. The End

14. Make these parallel!! 1. We were dirty, hungry, and without a penny. 2. My roommate liked to repair things around the house and his own cooking. 3. During the day, we went on long hikes, rowed around the lake, or just leisure time. 4. She returned to pay the rent and because she had left some of her things. 5. Two things that I found hard to learn as a freshman were to get enough sleep and trimming expenses. 1. We were dirty, hungry, and penniless. My roommate liked to repair things around the house and to cook. 3. During the day, we went on long hikes, rowed around the lake, or just had leisure time. 4. She returned to pay the rent and to pick up some of her things. 5. Two things that I found hard to learn as a freshman were to get enough sleep and to trim expenses.

15. 4/18 Opener: Parallel Structure 1.The requirements for a chemistry degree are not as strict as a medical degree. 2.. The reorganization of the company is neither simple nor it will be cheap. 3.When I was in high school, I learned piano and how to play the guitar. 4.Fred supports the idea because, first, its simplicity; second, it is unique. 5.They are either our friends or they are not. 1.The requirements for a chemistry degree are not as strict as the requirements for a medical degree. 2.The reorganization of the company is neither simple nor cheap. 3.When I was in high school, I learned how to play the piano and guitar. 4.Fred supports the idea because, first, it is simple; second, it is unique. 5.They are either our friends or our enemies.

16. 4/26 Opener Parallel Structure: Fix These! 1.The factory workers were ready, able, and were quite determined to do a great job. 2.The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. 3.We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life. 4.The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and to talk with fans. 5.My roommate was a smart dresser, a good student, and really knew how to talk.

17. 4/26 Opener Answers 1.The factory workers were ready, able, and were quite determined to do a great job. 2.The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. 3.We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life. 4.The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and to talk with fans. 5.My roommate was a smart dresser, a good student, and really knew how to talk. 1.The factory workers were ready, able, and determined to do a great job. 2.The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. 3.We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life. 4.The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and how to talk with fans. 5.My roommate was a smart dresser, a good student, and a great speaker/conversationalist. (talker…really?)

18. Parallel Structure: Fix these FAST so we can Act!!!!!! 1. Hitler’s followers considered other nations to be racially inferior and were fit only for slave labor. 2. The best way to combat juvenile delinquency is not to set up more social agencies but by restoring old-fashioned discipline in the home. 3. The book told how to build a gun cabinet, how to build a bookcase, and all types of furniture that you can make. 4. When I was a member of the basketball team, everyone met me with a happy smile, made lively conversation, and I was invited to many parties.

19. 4/27 Opener Answers 1. Hitler’s followers considered other nations to be racially inferior and were fit only for slave labor. 2. The best way to combat juvenile delinquency is not to set up more social agencies but by restoring old-fashioned discipline in the home. 3. The book told how to build a gun cabinet, how to build a bookcase, and all types of furniture that you can make. 4. When I was a member of the basketball team, everyone met me with a happy smile, made lively conversation, and I was invited to many parties. 1. Hitler’s followers considered other nations to be racially inferior and to be fit only for slave labor. 2. The best way to combat juvenile delinquency is not to set up more social agencies but to restore old-fashioned discipline in the home. 3. The book told how to build a gun cabinet, how to build a bookcase, and how to make all types of furniture. 4. When I was a member of the basketball team, everyone met me with a happy smile, made lively conversation, and invited me to parties.

20. 5/1 Opener: Comma’s?? 1. The band and the cheerleaders gave the team plenty of support. 2. The coat was lovely yet it was not the coat she wanted. 3. The gentle kind giant helped Jack climb back down the vine. 4. Idaho which is famous for its potato crop is located in the Midwest. 5. Undaunted by the loss Georgette resumed her law practice.