Parallel structure

Parallel structure Parallel structure (often “parallelism”) means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level Parallel structure creates rhythm and balance in usage

Parallel structure Parallel structure concerns lists; any time you have a conjunction (for example) you have a list: Billy ran for office, and Sally ran the campaign. We ate spaghetti, salad, rolls, and dessert last night. Side note: “We ate: spaghetti, salad, rolls, and dessert last night” is incorrect.

WORDS: Brutus: “Friends, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear.”

PHRASES: Brutus: “There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition.”

CLAUSES: Antony: “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him CLAUSES: Antony: “As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him.”

When to use parallel structure Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series Use parallel structure with elements being compared Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction

1. Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) Incorrect Correct Billy enjoys reading books and then to watch the movies of those same books. Billy enjoys reading books and watching movies of those same books.

These are not parallel. Incorrect Correct Billy enjoys [reading books] and [then to watch the movies of those same books]. Billy enjoys [reading books] and [watching movies of those same books].

2. Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series Incorrect Correct On her camping trip Mary wants to go hiking, swimming, or to ride horses. On her camping trip Mary wants to go hiking, swimming, or riding horses.

2. Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series – more complex Incorrect Correct In assembling the basketball team, we looked for players whose style of play was physical, with impressive backgrounds, and who had boundless potential. In assembling the basketball team, we looked for players [whose style of play was physical], [whose backgrounds were impressive], and [whose potential was boundless].

3. Use parallel structure with elements being compared Incorrect Correct It is better to lead by example than questioning the motives of those who try to lead. It is better to lead by example than to question the motives of those who try to lead.

4. Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction Incorrect Correct Sally not only wants money but fame as well. Sally wants not only money but fame as well.

a( b + c + d ) Think of parallel structure as the distributive property showing up in your English class. For lists, whether with two items or more, a (above) gets distributed evenly to all items on the list: ab, ac, ad. You need to cut the bread and peel the oranges. a = “you need to”; b = “cut the bread”; c = “peel the oranges”

Caution with the distributive property! Make sure what gets distributed is appropriate for distribution to all items on the list. We found ants in the cabinets, the closets, and the table. a = “We found ants in” b = “the cabinets” c = “the closets” d = “the table” Ants in the table?

Caution with the distributive property! Make sure what gets distributed is appropriate for distribution to all items on the list. (not parallel) We found ants in the cabinets, the closets, and the table. (fixed) We found ants in the cabinets and closets and on the table. NOTICE there are two different distributions going on here. “We found ants” is distributed to “in the cabinets and closets” and “on the table”; “in the” is distributed to “cabinets” and “closets.”

Some famous examples It is better to give than to receive. But in a larger sense – we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow this ground. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I came; I saw; I conquered. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.