What is Parallel Structure?

Parallel Structure The repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence Definition Good parallel structure improves the clarity of your writing Why We Care

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Parallelism in Sentences Poor: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny. Improved: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and humor. 4

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Importance of Parallelism When you write a thesis statement, often you have to summarize three reasons in parallel form. Example: Tobacco should be outlawed because it endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy. 6

Parallelism in Thesis Statements Poor: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ failed in their relationship because he was older than her, Scientology, and being a celebrity. Improved: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ relationship failed due to their age difference, their religious beliefs, and their fame. 7

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Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft. 9

A. I wondered whether to make an outline first or I should write the rough draft. B. I wondered whether to make an outline first or to write the rough draft. C. I wondered whether to make an outline first or writing rough draft. D. I wondered whether to make an outline first or that I should write a rough draft. 10

A. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal experiences also. B. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and personal experiences. C. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and their personal experiences. D. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, giving examples, and personal experiences. 11 Choose the sentence that has parallel structure.

A. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, they give detailed examples, and their personal experiences also. B. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and personal experiences. C. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, examples, and their personal experiences. D. The three authors show the value of reading by using metaphors, giving examples, and personal experiences. 12