Parallel Structure Any words or groups of words
- Slides: 10
Parallel Structure
• Any words or groups of words that you plug in have to be the same kinds of words or word patterns. • Pairs • running and jumping, bothered and bewildered, open or shut, laughing or crying • Series • broken, bedraggled, and bone-tired • an old shoe, a stuffed bear, and a chewed-up blanket
• When you write your sentences using parallel structure, your ideas come across more clearly because they're easier to read. Compare the following sentences: • 1. Spot's toys were an old shoe, a bear that was stuffed, and she had chewed up an old blanket. • 2. Spot's toys were an old shoe, a stuffed bear, and a chewed-up blanket. • See how the second sentence is smoother and more balanced? If you try to balance your own sentences in this way, your writing will be more forceful.
• a) She likes to listen to music and reading the latest novels. • b) She likes listening to music and reading the latest novels.
• a) He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the convenience store, and jogging every afternoon. • b) He spent his time studying Spanish, working at the convenience store, and he jogged every afternoon.
• a) The dog was excited: running, barking, and he chased after the boys. • b) The dog was excited: running, barking, and chasing after the boys.
• a) The apartment was filled with old newspapers, broken bottles, and the ashtrays were overflowing. • b) The apartment was filled with old newspapers, broken bottles, and overflowing ashtrays.
• a) Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely pleasant personality. • b) Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
• a) In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and to appreciate good prose. • b) In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.
• Make the following sentences parallel. • Mary wanted to paint her office, to add some new draperies, and the carpet need cleaning. • When Friday rolls around, do you go to the mall, head for a bar, or are you going to work? • Last year, my brother dropped out of school, was looking for work, and needed a place to stay. • He watched the latest version of King Lear, studied for his math test, and was talking on the phone.
