Table of Contents
1. Parallelism in Words and Phrases
Parallelism often occurs within a sentence when using a list or a series of words or phrases. To achieve parallelism, each item in the list should follow the same grammatical pattern. Here’s an example:
Incorrect: She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Correct: She likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
In the correct version, all the items in the list (hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle) follow the same structure: the -ing form of a verb. This consistency brings harmony to the sentence, making it more pleasing to read.
2. Parallelism in Verb Tenses
Parallelism is essential when expressing actions or ideas in different verb tenses. If you start a sentence using a certain verb tense, it’s important to maintain consistency throughout. Consider the following example:
Incorrect: She loved dancing, sings in a choir, and enjoys to write poetry.
Correct: She loved dancing, sang in a choir, and enjoyed writing poetry.
In the correct version, all the verbs (loved, sang, and enjoyed) are in the past tense, maintaining parallelism and ensuring the sentence flows smoothly.
3. Parallelism in Sentence Structure
Parallelism also applies to the structure of your sentences. When presenting ideas or providing descriptions, it’s crucial to maintain consistency in sentence structure. Let’s examine an example:
Incorrect: The dog is playful, energetic, and loves to chase balls.
Correct: The dog is playful, energetic, and ball-chasing.
In the correct version, the parallel structure is maintained by using adjectives (playful, energetic) followed by a noun modifier (ball-chasing). This parallelism adds balance and clarity to the sentence.
4. Parallelism in Conjunctions
Conjunctions, such as “and,” “or,” and “but,” also require parallelism when connecting words, phrases, or clauses. Let’s consider an example:
Incorrect: She is friendly, intelligent, but doesn’t have patience.
Correct: She is friendly, intelligent, but lacks patience.
In the correct version, the parallel structure is maintained by using the verb “lacks” to match the previous verbs “is” and “is.” This creates a cohesive and balanced sentence.
5. Parallelism in Lists and Tables
Parallelism is particularly useful when presenting information in lists or tables. By maintaining consistent structure and formatting, you make it easier for readers to comprehend and remember the information. Consider the following example:
Incorrect:
- Foods I enjoy: Pizza, running, sleep well.
- Activities I like: Listening to music, to cook, sleeping.
Correct:
- Foods I enjoy: Pizza, running, getting a good night’s sleep.
- Activities I like: Listening to music, cooking, sleeping.
In the correct version, parallelism is achieved by using gerunds (running, cooking, sleeping) in both lists. This creates a clear and organized presentation of information.
6. FAQs about English Grammar: Parallelism
Parallelism brings balance, rhythm, and clarity to your sentences, making them more effective and memorable.
Certainly! One famous example is from Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
No, parallelism is a universal principle of language and applies to both written and spoken communication.
While parallelism is a valuable tool, excessive use may result in monotonous or predictable writing. It’s important to balance parallel structures with variation to maintain reader engagement.
In creative writing or poetic forms, authors may intentionally deviate from parallelism for stylistic effect. However, it’s crucial to understand the rules before breaking them intentionally.
Read widely and pay attention to the sentence structures employed by skilled writers. Practice incorporating parallelism in your own writing, and seek feedback from experienced individuals.
