Parallelism with Mixed Series Writing Lab Parallelism with Mixed Series

Parallelism The principle of parallelism requires that items in a series be alike or grammatically equivalent in meaning stricture and/or form, that is, nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, adverb clauses with adverb clauses, sentences with sentences; and people with people, automobiles with automobiles, and so forth.

Parallel vs. Unparallel The Great Depression affected people in all walks of life: farmers, industrial workers, formerly respected bankers, and the attitudes of college students. “Attitudes” is not a specific instance of the noun. Parallel The Great Depression affected people in all walks of life: farmers, industrial workers, formerly respected bankers, and college students.

Examples Incorrect: All work and no playing makes a person dull. Correct: All work and no play makes a person dull. Incorrect: Anyone who is overweight and wants to diet should jog, swim, and be advised by a doctor. Correct: Anyone who is overweight and wants to diet should jog, swim, and follow a doctor’s advice.

More Examples Incorrect: The book was written in India, translated in Germany, and a company published it in London. Correct: The book was written in India, translated in Germany, and published in London. Incorrect: Try a massage to relieve tension, for relaxation, and for feeling good. Correct: Try a massage to relieve tension, to relax, and to feel good.

Even More Examples Incorrect: The jaguar is swift, quiet, and moves with grace. Correct: The jaguar is swift, quiet, and graceful.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson