Syntax and parallel structure Mini Lesson

Syntax? Parallel Structure? Syntax is the construction of sentences (Think of the writer as the builder or designer). We can think of syntax as the rhythm of prose (How do you want your writing to sound?) You can create that sound and effect by the way you design and order your words! SYNTAX Syntax refers, in general, to the order of words in a sentence that results in various sentence types used for a variety of rhetorical effects. TYPES OF SENTENCES YOU CAN BUILD AND DESIGN INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO,: GRAMMATICAL SENENCE TYPES PARALLEL STRUCTURE INVERTED/UN-USUAL SYNTAX -simple -compound -complex -compound- complex A parallel sentence (sometimes called a balanced sentence) contains parts of equal grammatical structure. An unusual word order Ex: Stephen ate a blueberry muffin. A blueberry muffin Stephen ate.

Syntax and Parallel Structure Mini Lesson (Words) Define parallel: very similar and often happening at the same time What is parallel structure? A sentence has parallel structure when related ideas are expressed in the same grammatical form or pattern. Effective use of parallelism adds rhythm, momentum, and balance to your writing and strengthens connections among your ideas.

How can I create parallel structure using words? You can create parallel structure in writing when you use the same grammatical form when using the following types of words: Nouns Verbs Adjectives Adverbs Gerunds Sample parallel forms: sharp eyes, strong hands, deft fingers to ask, to learn, to share very supportive, extremely kind, and totally understanding quickly, effectively, diligently playing soccer, reading comics, lifting weights

Parallel Structure: Nouns A noun names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns may name general or specific things. A common noun is the general name of a person, place thing or idea. A proper noun is the name of a particular person, place, thing or idea. A proper noun always begins with a capital letter. Parallel Structure: Nouns Example: On Fridays, the cafeteria serves roasted vegetables, turkey burgers, and fruit salad.

Parallel Structure: Nouns (cont’d) A concrete noun names something you can see or touch. Examples: author, village, book, horse, saddle An abstract noun names something that cannot be seen or touched, such as an idea, emotion, quality, or condition. Examples: cleverness, joy, fear, wisdom, humor Concrete nouns I have a book, a pencil, and a binder. Abstract nouns Her wisdom, cleverness, and humor keeps her ahead of the game.

Parallel Structure: Nouns

Nouns Not Parallel Structure He was a hoarder, a chef, and handsome. He was a hoarder, a chef, and a model.

Parallel Structure: Verbs Example: A verb is a word that shows an action or state of being. I ran, I jumped, I skipped A verb is a "doing" word. A verb can express: A physical action (e.g., to swim, to write, to climb). A mental action (e.g., to think, to guess, to consider). A state of being (e.g., to be, to exist, to appear).

Verbs Not Parallel Structure Parallel Structure Coach Taylor told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, eat a good breakfast, arrive early, and to do warm up exercises before the game. Parallel Structure Coach Taylor told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, eat a good breakfast, arrive early, and do warm up exercises before the game.

Parallel Structure: Adjectives Example: An adjective is a word that modifies, or describes, a noun or pronoun. Hailey was not only creative and smart, but she was also hardworking. Note: Also notice the correlative conjunctions that are used to join sentence parts: not only/but also (pronunciation: ke-relative)

Adjectives Not Parallel Structure Hailey was not only creative and smart, but she also worked very hard. Parallel Structure Hailey was not only creative and smart, but she was also hardworking.

Which one is an example of parallel structure and which one is faulty Which one is an example of parallel structure and which one is faulty? Explain.

Adverbs Not Parallel Structure I outlined the letters slowly and with care. Parallel Structure I outlined the letters slowly and carefully.

Parallel Structure: Gerunds Example: Gerunds are words that are formed with verbs but act as nouns. He enjoys playing soccer, reading comics, and lifting weights. They’re very easy to spot, since every gerund is a verb with ing tacked to its tail. To find gerunds in sentences, just look for a verb +ing that is used as a noun.

Gerunds Not Parallel Structure He enjoys eating spaghetti, slurping soup, and chewing. Parallel Structure He enjoys eating spaghetti, slurping soup, and chewing bread.

Now you try!