Parallelism By: Natalie Alfano My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy

Parallelism Parallelism refers to using elements in sentences that are grammatically similar or identical in structure, sound, meaning, or meter. This technique adds symmetry, effectiveness and balance to the written piece. Parallelism is used effectively as a rhetorical device throughout literature and in speeches, advertising copy, and popular songs.

Parallelism Video Parallelism Video

Common Parallelism Examples Like father, like son. The escaped prisoner was wanted dead or alive. Easy come, easy go. Whether in class, at work or at home, Linda was always busy. Flying is fast, comfortable, and safe.

Importance of Parallelism When you write a thesis statement,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.

Parallel Structure in Sentences Lists need the elements to be expressed in the same way, as the same part of speech, and if those elements are verbs, in the same tense “I enjoy scuba-diving, fencing, and bowling,” not “I enjoy scuba-dive, fencing, and to bowl.” The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."

Parallelism in Sentences Poor: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny. Improved: Betty has intelligence, honesty, and she is funny humour. Poor: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts, and revision. Improved: Good writing requires you to plan outlines, write several drafts, and revision revise your work.

Parallelism in Lists Poor: I left my job for several reasons: The pay was poor Long hours I found the work tedious Equipment was dangerous Improved: I left my job for several reasons: Poor pay Long hours Tedious work Dangerous equipment

Examples Not Parallel The housekeeper looked inside the drawers, the bookcase, and under the recliner. Parallel The housekeeper looked inside the drawers, on top of the bookcase, and under the recliner.

Examples Not Parallel These boys could name the types of trees, flowers, and some kinds of birds in the forest. Parallel These boys could name the types of trees, flowers, and birds in the forest.

Examples Not Parallel The model learned to speak well, walking with poise, and that she must apply makeup correctly. Parallel The model learned to speak well, to walk with poise, and to apply makeup correctly.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

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Wrap Up Parallelism helps writing and speaking sound smoother and makes things more memorable Remember: Parallel means to be similar, so make sure all your verb tenses are the same and flow smoothly!

THE END!