Parallel phrases examples. It makes the sentence concise, clear, and easy to read. EXAMPLE 1. Sep 21, 2023 · Utilize parallel sentence structure: Make use of parallel sentence structures by repeating a grammatical pattern or arrangement. By using parallel structure, you ensure that related words, phrases, or clauses have the same structure. One of the most well-known examples of parallelism is featured in Neil Armstrong’s statement, made as he stepped on the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. If you can’t beat them, join them. Mar 20, 2024 · Parallel structures help you introduce clarity and concision in your writing. 3. Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series. May 24, 2024 · Parallel: My corgi not only likes to play fetch, but he also likes to take baths. May 8, 2024 · Parallel Phrases: Ensuring phrases that serve the same function in a sentence are constructed in a similar manner. Nov 4, 2019 · Parallel structure is important in both sentences and phrases. While creating parallelism is important, it’s equally important to avoid common mistakes that can disrupt the balance and harmony of your sentences. Here are some examples of parallelism in English: What you see is what you get. If a sentence already has parallel structure,write Correct. Readers expect items in a series to appear in parallel grammatical Paying attention to words, phrases, or clauses in a series. Common mistakes to avoid in parallelism. These phrases modify a verb, adjective, or adverb, answering questions like how, when, where, or why. ). May 18, 2023 · Rhetorical Devices Examples 6-10 6) Chiasmus. In the non-parallel example, the bolded black represents the subject, the orange represents the adjectives, the green represents the non-infinitive verb, and the pink represents the infinitive verb. To make them parallel, the sentences should be rewritten with just gerunds or just infinitives. For example, note this sentence: Through the course of this article, you will be introduced to the meaning and definition of parallelism and the rules to be followed when writing parallel ideas, phrases, clauses or sentences. However, it is not parallel. ] 4. Examples: Noun phrases Math is as difficult as science. Parallelism can make your writing more forceful, interesting, and clear. (parallel) OR I like hunting, fishing, and hiking. , a phrase containing a gerund, or -ing form of the verb). A penny saved is a penny earned. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. For example, “I came, I saw, I conquered” or “She excels in singing, dancing, and acting. Single words should be balanced with single words, phrases with phrases, clauses with clauses. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence. Parallelism can also take place with phrases. Example: “He was admired for his dedication to training, his commitment to excellence, and his respect for teammates. Oct 22, 2024 · A famous example comes from the Roman general Julius Caesar: “I came, I saw, I conquered. Not Parallel: I would rather go to the party Sep 26, 2024 · Use parallel phrases: Use parallel phrases, such as prepositional phrases or infinitive phrases, to create a sense of balance and harmony. In this example, the parallel elements of an “evildoer” and a “liar” are portrayed synonymously, as are “wicked lips” and “a destructive tongue. Perpendicular structure. 5. Here you have a couple of options. Adverb Prepositional Phrases. For example, it is important that nouns, verbs, phrases, and clauses are parallel in writings. First, we’ll explore parallelism using infinitive phrases and gerunds. Notice how the grammatical form of each idea matches: “listens” and “pays attention. These phrases modify a noun or pronoun, answering questions like which one or what kind. Link to Exercise 1 . When you’re not parallel, you’re perpendicular. Parallelism often appears with verb forms. You may find that the parallel example sounds much better to your ears. Oct 25, 2024 · Example: Kate wants to grow irises or sunflowers. Through balance, you can create harmonious and satisfying sentences, or highlight the similarity between two things. Being compassionate and because she knows a lot about animals, Jessica will make Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form. Revised on 8 October 2024. However, parallelism can also bring out the contrast between two opposing ideas. These are parallel prepositional phrases: “…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Abraham Lincoln, “Gettysburg Address”). Published on 24 October 2022 by Amy Luo. There are three instances of parallelism in just these two sentences, with the first also being an example of anaphora, since it involves a repetition of words at the beginning of a phrase. This rule applies whether the list consists of single words, phrases, or clauses—single words should be balanced with single words, phrases with phrases, and clauses with clauses. Example:. [1] The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process. Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure. 1. . [2] In addition, the perfect authentic cadence (PAC) is more conclusive than the imperfect authentic cadence (IAC). The second and third uses of parallelism are lists whose parallel structures create rhythm and establishes a link between the many different responses to Also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, mastering parallelism can significantly improve your writing style and overall readability. Mixing prepositions improperly in a parallel structure is a common writing mistake. Antithesis occurs when the two lines placed side by side show a clear contrast of the situation, statement, or both. Books are as important as movies. ” Parallelism can also involve repeated words or repeated phrases. Aug 15, 2024 · Example: I am looking for a new car that is fast, affordable and stylish. Let’s look at some examples. May 2, 2019 · Parallel phrases. Example #1 Example #2 Click on the link below to complete an exercise on parallelism with coordinate conjunctions. A common parallelism mistake is mixing gerunds with infinitives. Now, the list has parallel elements ("underprepared," "behaved," and "disruptive" are all adjectives). In English grammar, parallelism (also called parallel structure or parallel construction) is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a sentence. For example, all of the headings in this blog post are formatted as questions. Rule. Nov 21, 2023 · Writers can achieve parallelism in writing by ensuring that certain items in their writings are parallel. Parallel structure in writing refers to using words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or identical in form, structure, or sound. Here are some examples: Nov 6, 2024 · Understanding Parallel Structure. Nov 15, 2022 · A sentence with parallel construction makes your writing effective, classy, and certain to impress anyone who reads your work. 61. Jul 10, 2023 · Parallelism, or parallel structure, is a basic rule of grammar that involves using a similar structure for related words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. First, identify whether your sentence contains multiple words, phrases, or clauses that list similar information. Examples of Problems with Parallel Structure Problems with parallel structure usually occur after coordinating conjunction such as "or" or "and. Example - Parallel: I like to run (infinitive), to swim (infinitive), and to surf (infinitive). Verb phrases As soon as I see the forecast, I groan and whine. Adverbial Phrases Parallel: “He likes to swim and to run. By ensuring each part of a sentence follows the same grammatical pattern, writers can create balance, clarity, and rhythm in their work. Examples of Parallelism in Writing In Lists or Series These root words also have parallel adjectives that are formed from their analog nouns, using the -y ending that conveys the meaning “having the quality of the noun so modified”: trusty. Dec 3, 2023 · Non-parallel list: Cats are kind, caring, and like to play. If the first item stated in the list is a noun, the following items should also consist of nouns; if the first action is a simple past tense verb, then the succeeding actions must be in the simple past tense form of the verb as well. This guide covers the definition of parallelism, explores key rules, and provides examples to help you grasp this essential aspect of English grammar. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or. Parallelism refers to using similar words, clauses, phrases, sentence structure, or other grammatical elements to emphasize similar ideas in a sentence. Some of those are listed below, but there are How is parallel structure applied to headings? Typically, headings with parallel structure are all formatted as complete sentences, questions, or phrases. Balance parallel ideas in a series. This type of parallel structure can be more difficult to recognize as the sentences are more complex. Nov 6, 2024 · Example: “He slipped on the ice and fell on the slippery surface. ” The structure of the two noun phrases in this sentence is similar due to the repeated use of “one. ” Parallel Clauses: Using the same grammatical structure in clauses that are paired or in a series. Chiasmus relies on an inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases. The isocolon creates a tense and dramatic effect that highlights the speaker’s conflicted relationship with Caesar through parallel contrasting phrases. OR My corgi likes not only to play fetch but also to chase cars. While the plagal cadence (PC) occurs less frequently than the other three cadences listed in the table above, it will sometimes occur in root position at the end of a phrase after an inverted imperfect authentic cadence (IAC) has concluded a previous phrase, with the understanding Note: In the incorrect version, two of the listed items are noun phrases and two are verb phrases. ” Nov 6, 2024 · Example: “He slipped on the ice and fell on the slippery surface. Here’s a handy trick for testing parallelism: rewrite the sentence for each element that should be parallel. This incorrect, non-parallel version combines a prepositional phrase, an infinitive phrase, and a gerund. For example: A sentence with parallel construction makes your writing effective. For more help with parallel structure in a series or list, see this blog post from the APA style blog. e. Words and phrases within a sentence should not only match in structure, but also in tense. Today we’re going to look at how to maintain parallelism in three stages. ” It uses a parallel phrase to reiterate an important social idea. With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison. ” Parallel Structure Worksheet Most of the following sentences are out of balance because they lack parallel structure. Nov 6, 2024 · Example: “He slipped on the ice and fell on the slippery surface. salty. It helps create balance, clarity, and rhythm in writing. It helps to link related ideas and to emphasize the relationships between Adjective Prepositional Phrases. If a writer allows multiple phrases to share a preposition and then introduces a different preposition with another element, the result is a clumsy sentence. When they are formatted as phrases, they frequently begin with the same type of word (e. You should strive to keep your lists parallel. Parallel structure is important especially in items in a series, paired items, and items in Jun 3, 2024 · It’s easy to write a so-called “false” or “faulty” parallel, where a repeated structure is first set up in a couple of phrases but then broken. Parallelism, or parallel structure, is a way of providing balance to sentences or clauses by using a similar grammatical structure. Correct: Please place the leftover chicken on the counter or in the refrigerator. Parallel Phrases. This creates a sense of balance, rhythm, and harmony in your writing and makes it easier to comprehend. Just like parallel lines, words or phrases using a Parallelism refers to the use of identical grammatical structures for related words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence or a paragraph. ” —Winston Churchill Aug 2, 2018 · By convention, items in a series appear in parallel grammatical form: a noun is listed with other nouns, an -ing form with other -ing forms, and so on. Two elements joined by linking verb. Example#2 Parallelism is popular in proverbs and idioms, as the parallel structure makes the sayings easy to remember and more rhetorically powerful. " Jan 4, 2021 · Parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. " 1. Phrases also need to be balanced in your writing. ' Or you could simply Dec 30, 2022 · Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, includes essential grammatical and rhetorical language rules that involve using matching or similar grammatical structures in phrases, clauses, lists, or sentences. Despite sharing basic meanings, these words aren’t always synonyms. The repetition also connects the speaker intimately to Caesar in different ways, which makes the contrast between love, joy, honor and murder more striking. The following sentence contains a single subject and compound parallel verbs: The tutors can explain the assignment, help you locate background material, and give you tips for citing your sources [parallel verb forms]. This makes writing easier to understand and more engaging. Examples of parallel words Examples of parallel phrases Examples of parallel clauses The examples below show how to repair faulty parallelism. A simpler way of saying this is that the grammatical structure could be seen as two parts, reversed. For example, instead of saying, “She likes to read, painting, and to dance,” a sentence with proper parallel structure would be: “She likes reading, painting, and dancing. ” Repeat key phrases: Identify key points in your speech and repeat them using parallel structure to emphasize their Parallel structure (also known as parallelism) is an efficient way to organize a series (a list) in a sentence. Parallel Structure Examples Parallel Structure Using “ing” Endings. For more help with parallel structure in a list, see the APA Style blog post In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. Mixing up Verb Forms. Next, we’ll turn our attention to verb… If two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form. ) 2. Jan 4, 2021 · Learn how to use parallel structure, or parallelism, to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance in a sentence. Easy come, easy go. Parallelism can also apply to names. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the non-parallel list – it just flows poorly. (This list is parallel because each list item starts with a word ending "-ing. You could keep the word 'hot' and turn it into a noun phrase like 'hot weather. Mixing verb forms sounds unnatural to native English speakers and affects the readability of a sentence. ” Parallel Examples with Phrases: Incorrect: Please place the leftover chicken on the counter or you can put it in the refrigerator. Examples: Parallel: “The dog ran across the yard, jumped over the fence, and sprinted down the alley. See full list on scribbr. ” Parallel: “He likes swimming and running. Level Two: Phrases In a complex sentence, parallel structure is also seen in phrases. Lists of words, phrases, and clauses When ideas are presented in a series or a list, the same parts of speech should be used to ensure parallel structure. See examples of parallel and non-parallel sentences, phrases, and clauses. Whenever you make a list of items or actions in a sentence, using equal grammatical units is crucial. ” (The phrase on the shelf modifies the noun book. Example: “Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better. While parallelism sounds complicated, there are many common examples in everyday speech and conversations. These uses are part of “rhetoric” (a field that focuses on persuading readers) Here are a few examples of repetition: “ The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. In the correct version, all items have a similar structure (i. Writers often use this technique to emphasize key points or to create memorable phrases. 2. Parallel phrases shorten sentences and enhance readability. ” The nonparallel example, is grammatically valid; “down the alley he sprinted” is an entirely separate clause. On the lines provided, rewrite each sentence, giving it parallel structure. Description. ”. g. For our purposes, perpendicular structure will represent broken parallel structure. Common patterns of parallel structure include listing adjectives with other adjectives, nouns with nouns, or verb phrases in a certain form with phrases in the same form. Oct 24, 2022 · Parallel Structure & Parallelism | Definition, Use & Examples. Parallelism makes form follow meaning. Nov 21, 2023 · An example of correct parallel structure would be: In terms of grammar, parallelism is a pair or a series of related words or phrases. 4. Related: The Writing Process: Over 45 Tips on Writing Phrases You may also have a series of phrases in a sentence organized like a list The same concept applies to phrases, meaning that you use noun phrases with other noun phrases and verb phrases with other verb phrases. Using parallel structure provides clarity and places equal emphasis on the ideas you’re putting forth. Example 2: Incorrect: The students were unprepared, poorly behaved, and disrupted the class. How to create parallelism. The next two sentences have verb phrases and verbs in parallel. For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases. windy. Examples: I like to hunt, to fish, and hiking. ” Once again, the examples above combine gerunds (a noun formed by adding -ing to a verb) and infinitives (the form a verb takes when preceded by to). weighty. Here are some examples: May 17, 2021 · We can define antithesis as a juxtaposition of opposing words, phrases, or clauses showing contrasting ideas identified by the use of antonyms or parallel phrases with opposite meanings. When there are two or more consecutive verbs in a sentence, using “ing” endings is one method of parallel construction that is very effective: Lily loves skiing, swimming, and diving. ” Each phrase in the sentence follows the same structure, lending power and rhythm to the statement. Parallel structure occurs when we connect phrases, clauses, or lists using the same grammatical form. , noun, adjective, verb). There are many possible ways that parallel structures can be applied. (2024, June 25). Faulty parallel: “Betty likes cooking, baking, and to sew. com Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Definition and Examples of Mar 29, 2023 · Parallel structure is the use of similar grammatical forms or patterns in a sentence. This sentence isn't parallel because the three items in the list are different parts of speech. In all the examples below, you can easily identify the two parallel elements as they’re on either side of be verb. Parallel Examples with Clauses: Incorrect: My parents did not approve of my actions or what I said. Look for the similarity in the boldface elements of each example. Examples of Parallel Lists in Normal Texts Each of these examples has a parallel list: I would advise visitors to avoid bathing in the river, driving in the town, and eating in the local tapas bar. May 8, 2023 · Here's an example of a sentence that uses two nouns followed by an adjective: I like flowers, sunshine and hot. These are parallel past tense verbs: “He laid down the carving knife and fork . To edit for parallel structure issues, identify lists of words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence, identify all the parts of the list, and check whether all those parts take the same grammatical form. (not parallel) I like to hunt, to fish, and to hike. Oct 23, 2021 · The first has two prepositional phrases on either side of a comparison word than. Not only does it improve readability, but also shows that two or more ideas are equal in importance. Kirszner and Mandell point out that parallelism "adds unity , balance , and coherence to your writing. Correct: The students were underprepared, poorly behaved, and disruptive. Anaphora: A specific type of parallelism where the same word or phrase is repeated at the beginning of two or more successive sentences or clauses. " Parallelism is all about maintaining consistency among words, phrases, or clauses. Parallelism should be observed when connecting phrases or clauses with words of comparison (than, as, etc. (parallel) Modifiers in a series Use only those words together which describe the same word or groups of words and fit together logically. Jun 24, 2020 · Parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Before Stephanie starts her car, she puts her seatbelt on and turns on the radio. See correct and incorrect examples of parallel structure with coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, infinitives, -ing endings, clauses, lists and verb tense. " Learn what parallel structure is and how to use it in your writing to improve readability and show equal importance of ideas. Or something like that. In addition to this, the article will provide you with examples of parallelism to help you have an in-depth understanding. Misused words ending in -ing often break parallel structure. They may be linked with coordinating or correlative conjunctions. “The book on the shelf is mine. One way to ruin a parallelism is by mixing up your verb forms. Failing the exam is repeating the What to Avoid: Mixing Prepositions in a Parallel Structure. These can be prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases, gerund phrases, verb phrases etc. For example, a writer might use the same structure to compare two different, juxtaposing ideas and emphasize that contrast. May 9, 2019 · Phrase Parallel Structures . pydtgy klp zvkhuh grnmcx hxein awsy fhdo tqtprlu rvwnq pjp