Have you ever read a sentence that felt clunky and awkward, like a car trying to navigate a pothole-ridden road? That feeling of disjointedness might be a sign of faulty parallel structure. Just like a well-constructed bridge needs balance to stand strong, sentences require balanced elements for clarity and smooth flow. Let’s explore the world of parallel structure and how mastering it can elevate your writing from the mundane to the masterpiece.
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Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a vital tool for crafting clear, concise, and impactful sentences. It’s the art of using grammatically similar structures within a sentence to express ideas of equal importance, creating a pleasing rhythm and enhancing the overall comprehension of the text. Think of it as a synchronized dance of words, where each element gracefully mirrors the others, leading to a pleasing and impactful result.
Understanding the Basics of Parallel Structure
At its heart, parallel structure involves using the same grammatical pattern for two or more elements within a sentence. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses, and they work in tandem to create a cohesive and elegant flow. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Words:
- Incorrect: I enjoy running and to swim.
- Correct: I enjoy running and swimming.
Phrases:
- Incorrect: He is a talented musician and possesses great intelligence.
- Correct: He is a talented musician and a highly intelligent individual.
Clauses:
- Incorrect: When I go to the store, I buy groceries, and I pay with a credit card.
- Correct: When I go to the store, I buy groceries, and I make my purchase with a credit card.
Why is Parallel Structure Important?
Imagine trying to understand a conversation where everyone is speaking a different language. That’s what can happen when parallel structure is absent in writing. Without it, your sentences become disjointed and confusing, making it difficult for readers to follow your train of thought.
Here’s a breakdown of why parallel structure is so crucial:
- Clarity: By aligning sentence elements grammatically, parallel structure ensures that your writing is crystal clear. It avoids ambiguity and helps readers understand the relationships between the ideas you are presenting.
- Emphasis: Parallel structure can draw attention to specific elements within a sentence, giving them extra weight and impact. A well-crafted parallel structure highlights the key message you want to convey.
- Rhythm & Flow: Parallelism introduces a pleasing rhythm and flow to your writing. Think of it as a musical composition, where each element is balanced and harmonious, creating a more engaging reading experience.
Mastering the Art of Parallel Structure
Now that we’ve established why parallel structure is crucial, let’s delve into the practical aspects of applying it in your writing:
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1. Identifying the Elements
The first step is to identify the elements that should be parallel within your sentence. These can be:
- Words: Individual words that function similarly, such as verbs, nouns, or adjectives.
- Phrases: Groups of words that act as a single unit, such as prepositional phrases, participial phrases, or infinitive phrases.
- Clauses: Independent or dependent clauses that convey a complete or partial thought, respectively.
2. Matching Grammatical Structures
Once you’ve identified the elements that need to be parallel, ensure they have the same grammatical structure. This means using the same grammatical form, like:
- Verb tenses: “She walked to the park and sat on the bench.” (Walked and sat both use the past tense)
- Parts of speech: “He enjoys reading and writing.” (Reading and writing both function as gerunds, or noun forms of verbs)
- Prepositional phrases: “He went to the store and to the bank.” (To + noun is used in both structures)
3. Avoiding Mixed Construction
One common pitfall in parallel structure is mixing different grammatical constructions. For instance, if you start with a gerund (verb ending in “-ing”) and then switch to an infinitive (verb preceded by “to”), the sentence loses its balance.
- Incorrect: “I enjoy reading and to relax.”
- Correct: “I enjoy reading and relaxing.”
4. The “Correlative Conjunction” Trick
Correlative conjunctions, such as not only… but also, either… or, and neither… nor, are helpful companions in ensuring parallel structure. They signal that the elements they connect should have the same grammatical construction.
- Incorrect: He was not only exhausted but also he felt hungry.
- Correct: He was not only exhausted but also hungry.
Examples of Parallel Structure in Action
Here are some real-world examples of how parallel structure can elevate your writing:
1. Powerful Speeches
- Example: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills.” — Winston Churchill, speech to the House of Commons
Note: Churchill effectively uses the repetition of “we shall fight” to create a powerful and memorable call to action, uniting the nation through the shared purpose of resistance.
2. Literary Works
- Example: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Note: Dickens’s masterful use of parallel structure creates a sense of dramatic contrast and highlights the complexities of the time.
3. Everyday Writing
- Example: “This week’s menu includes steak, salmon, and chicken options.”
Note: Parallel structure makes this sentence clear and concise, allowing readers to easily grasp the variety of protein choices available.
FAQs About Parallel Structure
Let’s address some common questions about parallel structure:
1. Does parallel structure always require a conjunction?
No, while conjunctions can be used to create parallel structure, they are not always necessary. For instance, a list of items can be punctuated with commas and still maintain parallelism.
2. Can I use different tenses within a parallel structure?
While different tenses can be used in a sentence, it is generally best to avoid them within a parallel structure. The goal is to maintain consistency and coherence, and mixing tenses can disrupt that rhythm.
3. What are some common errors in parallel structure?
- Mismatched Parts of Speech: Using different parts of speech for parallel elements (e.g., “I enjoy reading and to study“).
- Inconsistent Tenses: Using different tenses for parallel verbs (e.g., “He walked to the store and will buy groceries”).
- Misaligned Phrases: Not structuring phrases similarly (e.g., “He is a talented musician and possesses great intelligence)
Which Sentence Correctly Uses Parallel Structure
The Power of Parallel Structure: Elevate Your Writing
Parallel structure is a key ingredient for crafting compelling and impactful writing. By understanding the principles of parallelism and practicing its application, you can elevate your writing from simple to stunning. As you continue refining your writing skills, remember: parallel structure is not just a grammar rule; it’s a tool for clarity, emphasis, and a more enjoyable reading experience for your audience.
