1 Parallelism

2 Parallel Structure Parallel structure helps you write smooth, clear, and accurate sentences. It is used when two or more related ideas are presented in the same sentence.

3 Focus on the word structure... Consider what structure means. It refers to the shape of something or how something is built. In sentences, it refers to matching the grammatical structure of words, phrases, or sentences.

4 The best way to understand the idea of parallelism is to look at examples. The neighborhood watch committee met to set up a schedule for patrols, coordinating teams of volunteers, and also for the purpose of creating new rules.

5 The following sentence is NOT parallel. The neighborhood watch committee met to set up a schedule for patrols (infinitive phrase), coordinating teams of volunteers (gerund phrase), and also for the purpose of creating new rules (prepositional phrases).

6 The following sentence is IS parallel. The neighborhood watch committee met to set up a schedule for patrols, to coordinate teams of volunteers, and to create new rules. Also parallel: The neighborhood watch committee met to set up a schedule for patrols, coordinate teams of volunteers, and create new schedules.

7 More samples: Not parallel He is talented, intelligent and has charm. Parallel He is talented, intelligent and charming.

8 Summary: Parallel structure means that two or more ideas in a sentence are expressed in similar form. And, but and or usually join similar terms—two or more nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, phases or clauses. Parallel My ambition is to be a doctor and to specialize in surgery.

9 Let’s practice: Mr. Garcia has promised me a good job and to pay me a fair salary. The manager asked both groups to meet and share their differences and finally arriving at an agreement. The magazine contains news, pictures, ads, tell you where to shop, and feature columns. Tennis, modeling and to read suspense novels took up most of her time. This is the life: to live, working and cooking outdoors. Running towards the end zone, he slipped, got up, and was keeping on going as fast as he could. Let’s go down to the store for a hamburger, donuts, and to drink some coffee or tea. After a hard fought war in a foreign land and he travels a long way home, Dad deserves a little rest. We tried to snap pictures and catch fish, but we got mosquito bites and sunburned.

10 Corrections Mr. Garcia has promised me a good job and a fair salary. The manager asked both groups to meet and share their differences and to arrive at an agreement. The magazine contains news, pictures, ads, shopping ads, and feature columns. Tennis, modeling, and reading suspense novels took up most of her time. This is the life: living, working, and cooking outdoors. Running towards the end zone, he slipped, got up, and kept on going as fast as he could. Let’s go down to the store for a hamburger, donuts, and some coffee or tea. After a hard fought war in a foreign land and traveling a long way home, Dad deserves a hot shower and a warm bed. We tried to take pictures and catch fish, but we got wasp bites and sunburned.

11 Parallelism plays an important role when you write a thesis sentence. When you write a thesis sentence you have to summarize three reasons in parallel form. Three ways to stay healthy are to take vitamins, to exercise regularly, and to eat a balanced diet.

12 Another example: However, I believe that tobacco should be outlawed because tobacco endangers everyone’s health, pollutes the environment, and drains us of valuable energy.

13 Parallelism can be tricky. Try revising:  Billy would rather help people in need than staring at a computer screen all day.  The convenience store 7-11 once opened at 7:00 a.m.; 11:00 is when it closed. It is now open 24 hours in most places.

14 Did you? Billy would rather help people in need than stare at a computer screen all day. The convenience store 7-11 once opened at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 11:00 p.m. It is now open 24 hours in most places.

15 Apply parallelism to sentences too. Before you buy a used car, you should research what similar models are selling for. It’s also a good idea to have a mechanic examine the car. Also, how much mileage it has is a consideration.

16 Apply parallelism to sentences too. Before you buy a used car, you should compare prices of similar models, have a mechanic inspect the car, and consider the mileage carefully.

17 Apply parallelism to sentences too. The qualifications for the job include some sales experience. Applicants should also have good telephone skills. Another requirement is being trained in computers. Try an adjective-noun structure:  The qualifications for the job include...

18 Did you? The qualifications for the job include some sales experience, good telephone skills, and computer training.

19 Assignment: Write a thesis sentence for the following topic. Remember parallel construction when you state the reasons. Topic: Do you think that violence on television should be banned?