PARALLELISM NOT Parallel

Parall-whaaaa? Parallelism refers to matching grammatical structures in sentences. Elements in a sentence that have the same function or express similar ideas should be grammatically parallel, or grammatically matched It means that similar parts in a sentence (2 or more) must have the same structure. Their parts are comparable and balanced. Allows writing to flow smoothly and helps avoid misunderstandings. When similar parts do not follow the same structure, you have created Faulty Parallelism.

Why Does it Matter? Good parallel structure improves the clarity of your writing To make your writing parallel, use the same grammatical form for all items in a list Lists can be any of these things: Parts of a sentence Headings in a report Items in a resume Bulleted lists

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.

Parallelism in Lists or Pairs When you present two or more items in a series joined by and or or, use similar form for each item. F: I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and in history. F: I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and my history class. C: I am doing well in my English class, in my math class, and in my history class. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

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 Tedious work Dangerous equipment

Parallelism in Comparisons In comparisons, the items being compared must have parallel structure. F: Driving to Austin is as fast as to fly. C: Driving to Austin is as fast as flying. F: Buying textbooks is almost as expensive as tuition. C: Buying textbooks is almost as expensive as paying tuition. C: Textbooks are almost as expensive as tuition. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

Parallelism with Paired Words When a sentence uses correlative conjunctions, the items joined by them must be parallel. F: My history course is both interesting and a challenge. C: My history course is both interesting and challenging. F: You must either make a C in the course or taking it again will be the consequence. C: You must either make a C in the course or take it again. F: I would rather work hard and pass than to repeat the course. C: I would rather work hard and pass than repeat the course. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

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.

Noteworthy Parallelism Winston Churchill did not say I have nothing to offer but bleeding, toil, tears, and sweating. He said I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. Churchill understood parallelism!

…and then some Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.—Joseph Addison Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sinith in the seat of the scornful.—The Book of Psalms 1:1 Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.—John F. Kennedy

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.

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.

Not Parallel The man was lonely, old, and a miser Not Parallel The man was lonely, old, and a miser. Parallel The man was lonely, old, and miserly.

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.

Practice Time Please take out a sheet of paper. For each sentence, you will rewrite it with parallel structure. If it’s already parallel, write “no change.”

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A 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.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A 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.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and began the lesson. B. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and he began the lesson. C. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and decided to begin the lesson. D. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and beginning the lesson.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and began the lesson. B. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and he began the lesson. C. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and decided to begin the lesson. D. The teacher came into the room, he paused before the class, and beginning the lesson.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. Her choices were one, to begin college, or two, to find a job. B. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, be an employee. C. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, that she find a job. D. Her choices were one, beginning college, or two, find a job.

Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. Her choices were one, to begin college, or two, to find a job. B. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, be an employee. C. Her choices were one, begin college, or two, that she find a job. D. Her choices were one, beginning college, or two, find a job.

The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. Remember… Correct only the sentences that are not parallel. The factory workers were ready, able, and were quite determined to do a great job. The computer network is safer, stronger, and more secure. We cannot be worried or terrified of difficulties in life.

The actor taught his student how to read, how to stand, how to cry, and to talk with fans. The requirements for a chemistry degree are not as strict as a medical degree. Either you can join the army or the navy.

The reorganization of the company is neither simple nor it will be cheap. When I was in high school, I learned piano and how to play the guitar. Fred supports the idea because, first, its simplicity; second, it is unique. They are either our friends or they are not.

11. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A 11. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. He came, he saw, and he received. B. He came, he wanted to see, but he didn’t. C. He came; he started to ask; he didn’t want to. D. He saw, didn’t come or receive.

12. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A 12. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. The children laughed, jumped, and danced. B. The children were laughing, jumped, and some were dancing. C. The children were laughing and jumping; some even danced. D. The children laughed, dancing, and jumping.

13. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A 13. Choose the sentence that has parallel structure. A. You are not only a student but also very athletic. B. You are not only a student but also being very athletic. C. You are not only a student but also an athlete. D. You are not only a student but also have athletic ability.

14. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel 14. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Ron was an expert tennis player and _____. A. went fishing B. fished C. liked to go fishing D. an avid fisherman

15. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel 15. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Don would always open the mail, throw away the junk mail, and _____. A. to organize the bills. B. organizing the bills C. organize the bills D. organization of the bills

16. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel 16. Choose the correct words to make the sentence parallel. Rebecca was not only my boss but also ______. A. is my friend B. says she is my friend C. friendly D. my friend

Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com Editing Strategies Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel. If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel. Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com