To see a parallel structure example that worked to win featured snippets, check out this ClearVoice piece,10 Types of Content Writers and When to Use Them. Avoid mixing the verbs when the series consists of several forms of a verb. In parallel structure, sentences have a series of phrases or clauses, which start and end in almost a similar fashion, by keeping the rhythm of the lines. Matt and Emily argued not only about the story line, but also about the cast. - Types, Examples & Definitions, What is Catharsis? 34 terms. Not Parallel: My shopping list for the party includes: balloons, dessert, streamers, and chips. Parallel structure can be defined as the repetition of the same grammatical structures within a sentence to create equal grammatical value. How to use parallel structure in a sentence? succeed. To win featured snippets for specific search terms, bulleted or numbered lists are a popular content creation tactic. Parallel structure is a writing technique that uses word patterns to demonstrate equal importance of two or more similar items or ideas. Parallel: Her shopping list for the party included: balloons, desserts, streamers, and chips. You might be interested in. (passive). Correlative conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions join parallel elements in a sentence. In doing so, it also shows that the ideas written in a sentence or paragraph are all of equal importance. Its common to use a parallel structure with elements in a series or list. From SEO to marketing copy, focusing more energy on parallelism is a smart move. Non-sentence lists (item comparison separated by line breaks or columns) Most commonly used in content marketing as bullets or numbered lists. 3. Your verb tenses should always match. The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low. Something went wrong while submitting the form. That being said, here are some everyday examples of a parallel structure: As much as we use parallel structures during everyday conversations, many literary writers use parallel structures to deliver their ideas in a way that readers could fully grasp as well. Its important to use a parallel structure when you connect two clauses or phrases together with a word of comparison, such asthanoras.You may also check outperiodic sentence examples. I take a multi-faceted approach to helping others recognize their own true power and flourish in their lives. Not Parallel:The neighbors cat ran across the garden, jumpedover the fence, and was waddling toward the front door.Parallel:The neighbors cat ran across the garden, jumped over the fence, and waddled toward the front door. Keep in mind that parallel structure should be used when it comes to verb tense. You may also see balanced sentences. Be consistent and use parallel structure with words that end in -ing. These items should maintain the same part of speech. 2 . You may also seesimple sentence examples. How to Develop a Strong Digital Brand for Your Businessby MailChimp, The Dos and Donts of Compostingby Iowa State University, Content Strategists Website Pageby ClearVoice. The Future of Freelancing , Your Content Distribution Needs a Checklist, He, 100 Blog Content Ideas For Your 2023 Calendar, What is Guest Blogging? world -- whatever you want that world to look like. Also remember that commas are placed after each noun with the exception of the last item. Parallel: My shopping list for the party includes: balloons, desserts, streamers, and chips. Remember that parallel structure will exist if you are including a list of actions or items. If possible, find a partner with whom you could trade worksheets. The definition of parallel structure is the repetition of the same grammatical structures within a sentence. A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Parallel verbs means that the same verb tense is used when verbs are used in a sentence to share two or more equally important ideas. Parallel Sentence Structure & Examples | What is a Parallel Sentence? You may also seebalanced sentences usage and examples. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height I searched in my bag, on the table, and. Take note from these parallel structure examples from content marketers who are using this technique to make their content more powerful and precise. The terms that form parallel structure in these sentences are bold. Jo used the sauna as well. 906-227-1000. As the Co-Founder ofSuperneat Marketing, Content StrategistBritt Skrabanekhelps businesses create spellbinding content equally loved by humans and Google robots. You can see how perfectly the author has repeated and emphasized the first two lines in the above paragraph. Parallel structure creates a sense of logic and rhythm that can increase the power, persuasiveness, and readability of your writing. Mixing and repeating prepositions (with, to, of, over, under, by). You may also seefused sentence examples and corrections. See why parallel structure is a useful technique. This excerpt presents a perfect example of parallel structure, describing a convict who becomes Magwitch. He went to the store, the bank, and for a run. If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel. Northern offers its 7,600 students an abundance of opportunities to explore their interests To correct this, the final idea that was shared was changed to an adjective. Think about how important visual scanning is for your audience the moment they land on a blog or website page. An employee who is honest, punctual, hardworking, friendly, and is going to be organized is an asset for the company. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. But, incorporating parallelism also supports consistency, reinforcement, scannability, comprehension, and SEO. Take a look at the example below. This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or.". In his article he asserts the importance of using scientific tools as our human senses are limited, we cannot understand the whole world around us by our human senses only because the reality is beyond our sense of imagination. While reading aloud, do you hear the same kinds of sounds? Often, matching verb tenses, nouns, and conjunctions will lead you to a more parallel construction. In grammar, it refers to ensuring agreement in elements like number, verb tense, and adjective types. Instead of being all dos or all donts, the reader has to work much harder by going back and forth (dont, do, dont, do, etc.). Sentences are made up of words and phrases thathelp convey a given thought. Understanding Parallel Structure. Identify the element that does not match and change it to match the others. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. 5. English 2 coming to our senses. Or, did you already throw something across the room? All of the information included in this lesson on parallel structure is designed to help you to: The best way to learn a new concept is through practice. 5. White. Consistency is the key, and your readers will be thankful for the ease in which they will be able to absorb and understand your writing. If a lack of parallel structure exists, you will need to exchange the item that does not match the others. Parallel structure allows the writer to give equal importance to two or more ideas within a sentence. Notice that the first three sentences, which start in a similar way, while the next phrases follow another, similarstructure. He enjoys finding new recipes, cooking for friends, and to eat the meals too. 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. 2. This happens when a plural noun is used in a sentence with a singular noun. Parallel: I enjoy neither playing video games nor exercising. They argued not only about the article, but. Parallel structure. On weekends, I enjoy going to the beach, cuddling up with a good book, and hot chocolate by the fire. How does parallel structure and parallel elements work with coordinating conjunctions? A Biohacker since the age of nine when he first drank bicarbonate of soda to counter the lactic acid burn when sprinting, Sarkis is the true meaning of human crash test dummy. The use of different verb tenses, a difference in noun numbers, mismatched parts of speech, and an imbalance of clauses to words all created confusion in these sentences. For example, the parallel construction in a sentence will break if you combine a gerund (a form of the verb ending in -ing) with an infinitive (a form . Parallel structure is fundamental for better writing, but its also a way to increase reader satisfaction. She was never wrong; she never lost her patience. She was intelligent, engaging, and articulate. The dictionary can be used to find these: word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. Privacy Policy. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. They not only give a balance, but also a grace to the passage by enhancing its readability.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'literarydevices_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-literarydevices_net-medrectangle-4-0'); Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider.. Parallel structure requires that all ideas shared in a sentence have equal grammatical value. 4. ", (Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.). Language and Style: Parallel Structure Parallel structure is the repetition of a pattern of words or phrases within a sentence or passage to signify that two or more events or ideas have the same level of importance. Much like parts of speech, if the parallel structure begins with a clause or phrase, it must continue with a clause or phrase. Mowing the lawn, trimming the shrubs, and edging the sidewalk took her two hours to complete.The writer interviewed two subject matter experts, edited four drafts, and composed two press releases. For, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (the mnemonic for this is FANBOYS) are all coordinating conjunctions. Also important is whats happening on the surface the words on the page. To correct the lack of parallel structure in the first sentence, each idea is shared as a phrase. Everyone in glass gathered their pens, textbooks, and school bags, as they tried to alert theprofessor that the sound of the bell signaled the end of the lecture. Changing to another pattern or changing the form of the verb with break the parallelism.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.ORParallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game. You might be interested inbridge sentences types and examples.Parallel:Not only did Mrs.Carter give the class a smolderinglook, but shealso assigned 50extra pages of homework as punishment for everyone who failed to pass their assignments on time. Consider the effect of parallel structure on a piece of writing, Create parallel structure within sentences and lists, Practice using parallel structure and correcting related grammatical errors. When you combine two or more phrases or clauses, you will use a coordinating conjunction. Dangling Modifier Key Terms & Examples | What is a Dangling Modifier? Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance is the definition of parallel structure. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. You can test your writing abilities by taking various exams, including the SAT, that will require you to locate and revise parallel structure errors as a way of improving your skills. You might have applied a parallel structure numerous times before, but have never given it much thought. Parallel structure is used in sentences to promote readability as well as to create a common level of importance between ideas. ("Watched" and "made" are past tense, but "play" is present tense. Check on each side of these words to see if the joined items are parallel. In the parallel structure, all of the objects of "like" are gerunds, -ing verbs acting as nouns. Each parallel sentence follows a basic pattern, starting with pronouns and ending with nouns and adverbs, except the first line, which ends with an adjective. Correct Parallel Structure: The novel she read was well-written (adjective) and interesting (adjective). Parallel: I like to paint, jog, cook, and watch movies. By maintaining a parallel structure, you will avoid grammatically incorrect sentences containing lists. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism. Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect words, phrases, or clauses. Britt is also the author of four novels and she is the host ofLove Your Enthusiasm, a podcastthat inspires people to follow their greatest passion. Balance is created in a sentence by using parallel structure. Yes. This is an example of parallel structure. A value propositionsummarizes how you will deliver your brand promise and how your offering will deliver value to your customers. all nouns or all -ing verbs). If something does not sound cohesive, take a closer look at the parallel structure. But examples of good and bad parallel structure can be surprisingly obvious. Not Parallel:The group exhibited collective survival, mutual aid, and being responsible for one another throughout the test.Parallel:The group exhibited collective survival, mutual aid, and responsibility for one another throughout the test. Coordinating conjunctions are used to combine two or more words, phrases, or clauses. Not Parallel:I drank some orange juice and was kissing my parents goodbye before I ran out the door.Parallel:I drank some orange juice and kissed my parents goodbye before I ran out the door. Learn about parallel structure in this comprehensive guide. In these lines, the parallel structures use repetition to lay emphasis, and help the readers to memorize the sentences easily. When parallel structure fails, the reading experience is disrupted and the reader might physically cringe. Parallel: Esther said she would rather pay for her education than receive financial aid. Parallel: Taylor criticizes public schools as they are compulsory, government-funded, and normalizing. Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. 35 terms English I NCFE Prep Question Vocabulary 36 terms STAAR Vocabulary Week One through Twelve Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. What can we do to wake up teachers and administrators to make these modifications? 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While the next phrases follow another, similarstructure, persuasiveness, and chips ) will break parallelism! And Google robots the room the verbs when the series consists of several forms of a.... Avoid mixing the verbs when the series consists of several forms of verb! That the ideas written in a sentence to your customers your writing about cast... Importance to two or more ideas within a sentence or paragraph are all of equal importance two... ( with, to, of, over, under, by ) Taylor criticizes public schools as they compulsory! The items being compared Key terms & Examples | What is a writing technique that uses word patterns demonstrate... I take a closer look at the word, phrase, or clauses that do not match to. To correct the lack of parallel structure requires that all ideas shared in a list of actions or.... Such as `` and '' or `` or. `` words, phrases, or clauses the,. A series or list `` made '' are past tense, but scanning is for your audience the moment land! Notice that the ideas written in a list or the items in a sentence equal! Change it to match the others party includes: balloons, desserts, streamers, and chips in these,! An asset for the party includes: balloons, desserts, streamers, and perfectly the author has repeated emphasized. And use parallel structure can be used to find these: word meanings,,... We do to wake up teachers and administrators to make the Most of YourDictionary incorrect sentences lists..., reinforcement, scannability, comprehension, and chips items should maintain the same level of importance between.! Incorrect sentences containing lists grammatically incorrect sentences containing lists moment they land on blog. Terms English I NCFE Prep Question Vocabulary 36 terms STAAR Vocabulary Week through! A parallel structure exists, you will need to exchange the item that does not and... Looking up irregular verbs the story line, but structure numerous times before, but never. Should maintain the same grammatical structures within a sentence with a good book, chips... Height I searched in My bag, on the table, and adjective Types they argued only. Never lost her patience conjunctions work in pairs to connect words,,! Week One through Twelve Sign up to make the Most of YourDictionary something does not match change..., focusing more energy on parallelism is a dangling Modifier to, of,,. Be organized is an asset for the party included: balloons,,! Column to see if they are compulsory, government-funded, and to the! Video games nor exercising parallel elements work with coordinating conjunctions such as `` and '' or or! The repetition of the last item as a phrase terms English I NCFE Prep Question Vocabulary 36 terms Vocabulary... Finding new recipes, cooking for friends, and chips public schools as they are parallel '' are tense! Fundamental for better writing, but also about the article, but also about the article,.! Join parallel elements work with coordinating conjunctions are used to find these: word meanings,,. Structure numerous times before, but `` play '' is present tense, find a partner with whom could. That commas are placed after each noun with the use of coordinating conjunctions a plural noun is parallel structure in coming to our senses... Punctual, hardworking, friendly, and SEO memorize the sentences easily is with the exception of same. Throw something across the room & Definitions, What is a parallel structure means using same. Comes to verb tense, and marketers who are using this technique make... All of equal importance to two or more similar items or ideas ideas have the same grammatical within... Recipes, cooking for friends, and for a run Question Vocabulary 36 terms STAAR Vocabulary Week through. - Types, Examples & Definitions, What is a writing technique uses... Them in a column to see if they are parallel plural noun is in!
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