Parallel Structure bullet You will take notes on any information that has a bullet next to it!

Your writing will be clearer if the ideas within each sentence are written in a similar way. This is called parallel or similar form. nouns, verbs, adjectivesadverbs To have parallel structure, use matching nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs when you write a list.

Nouns Not parallel: The store is good for fruit, meat, and to buy cheese. Parallel: The store is good for fruit, meat, and cheese.

Adjectives Not parallel: The meal was tasty, quick, and the food was good for you. Parallel: The meal was tasty, quick, and healthful.

Adverbs Not parallel: In the rain I drove slowly, carefully, and watch out for other drivers. Parallel: In the rain I drive slowly, carefully, and defensively.

Verb Form Not parallel: Doctors say I should run, swim, and go walking. Parallel: Doctors say I should run, swim, and walk.

Things to remember: To check for parallel structure, you must first identify the compound elements: Look for the conjunction and, but, or, or nor; then decide which words the conjunction joins. word forms are alike After you’ve located the compound elements, check to be sure that the word forms are alike.

Example Pam likes water skiing, to swim, and sails. The verbs don’t match; therefore, we need to change it to: Pam likes water skiing, swimming, and sailing. (all “ing” verbs) OR Pam likes to water ski, to swim, and to sail. (all “to” verbs)

Things to remember: form Remember you are looking for similarity in form, not meaning. Journalist, lawyer, and engineering are related in meaning: all deal with occupations. However, the first two nouns refer to people, while the third refers to a career. A parallel list would be journalist, lawyer, and engineer (all people) or journalism, law, and engineering (all careers).

Example Alexander Graham Bell was a painter, teacher, and he invented things. a.In this sentence, two nouns describe Alexander Graham Bell; however, the third idea uses a verb, invented. b.To give the sentence parallel structure, change the words “invented things” to a noun, or change “painter” and “teacher” to verbs. Alexander Graham Bell was a painter, teacher, and inventor. OR Alexander Graham Bell painted, taught, and invented.

You try it: 1. Eating the right foods will help you feel healthier, more attractive, and strongly. 2. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are an important part of a well-balanced diet. 3. They provide vitamins, minerals, and are low in fat. 4. Meat, fish, and poultry are good sources of zinc, iron, and B vitamins. 5. Fiber, which is good for digestion, is found in plant foods like beans, peas, and whole grain cereals. 6. To lose weight, eat smaller portions and limiting second helpings. 7. Eat slowly and be careful; be sure to chew your food well. Not parallel Parallel Not parallel Parallel Not parallel