Common Writing Problems Parallel Structure Lesson 8 Parallel

Common Writing Problems: Parallel Structure Lesson 8 Parallel Structure Parallel structure is the repetition of a grammatical structure. Parallel structures, or parallelisms, are often used for ideas that are similar or are of equal importance. They help your readers relate one idea to another. Look at the examples on the following screens. Grade 8 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 1

Common Writing Problems: Parallel Structure Lesson 8 Parallel Structure Faulty: The teacher told the students to read the chapter, to take notes on it, and that they should prepare for a test on the material. Correct: The teacher told the students to read the chapter, to take notes on it, and to prepare for a test on the material. “To read” and “to take” are infinitives (verbs formed with “to”); therefore, in order for the series to be parallel, “that they should prepare” should be rewritten as “to prepare. ” Grade 8 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 2

Common Writing Problems: Parallel Structure Lesson 8 Parallel Structure Faulty: Carol is attractive, intelligent, and has a quick wit. Correct: Carol is attractive, intelligent, and quick-witted. “Attractive” and “intelligent” are adjectives; therefore, “has a quick wit” should be changed to the adjective “quick-witted. ” Grade 8 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 3

Common Writing Problems: Parallel Structure Lesson 8 Parallel Structure for Effect Parallelisms give your writing a rhythm, thus making it flow. The repetition in parallelisms emphasizes your ideas and adds style to your writing. Read these examples of effective parallelism. Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. —John F. Kennedy It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. —Charles Dickens When people tell you how young you look, they are also telling you how old you are. —Cary Grant Grade 8 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning® • Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 4