1. Parallel Structure

2. Definition  Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."

3. Parallel Structure as Grammatically Correct  With the the gerund form of words:  Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.  With infinitive phrases:  Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.  Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

4. Clauses  Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.  Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm- up exercises before the game.

5. Clauses  Not Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)  Parallel: The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.

6. After Colons  Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.  Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

7. Parallel Structure for Persuassion  Authors use parallel structure often within persuasion because it emphasizes certain points and can bring balance to ideas.  The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. (Winston Churchill)

8. Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!   Henry uses antithesis in parallel structure in an exclamatory sentence to show that liberty is   equally as valuable and desirable as death (metaphorically used to describe British rule) is   destructive and undesirable. By paralleling them in a balanced sentence, he is saying that the   outcome will be one or the other and there can be no compromise. He completes his motif here of   equating slavery (lack of freedom because of British rule) with death.

9. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other   He uses a balanced sentence with parallel independent clauses which repeat the same point.   Again, this emphasizes the military preparations which the British are taking.

10. Declaration of Independence  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

11. Declaration of Independence  That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.

12. Declaration of Independence  Echoing the list of fundamental beliefs at the beginning of the document, this list is marked by parallel structure, the clauses beginning with that.

13. Practice  John and Susan have a very troubled marriage. John is always with his friends and does not pay attention to Susan. His mother in law is always over and John strongly dislikes her, causing him to disrespect her quite often. Finally, Susan is very sensitive, so any insult that John says to her makes her cry. They are considering a divorce.