Parallel Structure Same function same form 1 Parallelism
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Parallel Structure
Same function – same form… 1. Parallelism means that grammatical elements that share the same function will share the same form. 2. Parallelism is the repetition of a pattern inside our sentences. 3. Using parallel structures shows the reader that ideas are equally important and, as a result, are easier to remember and to read.
Structures - Simple • These structures can be simple: • Gerund nouns in a list. • I like skiing, swimming, and hiking.
Structures – Complex • These structures can be complex… • Repetition in a balanced sentence… • I would rather eat cake: moreover, I could easily eat two!
Word balances word; phrase balances phrase; sentence balances sentence.
Examples 1. Mika wanted to catch a snake, put it in a cage, and take it to school. (verbs all in same form) 2. She was a woman who loved grammar, enjoyed sentences, and adored paragraphs. (verbs all in same form) 3. I came; I saw; I conquered. (verbs all in same form)
More Examples Not parallel: • Tala was hot, cranky and needed food. Parallel: • Tala was hot, cranky and hungry.
More Examples Not parallel: • Lina is organized, efficient and works hard. Parallel: • Lina is organized, efficient and industrious.
More Examples Not parallel: • Knowing how to win is important, but it is even more important to know how to lose. Parallel: • Knowing how to win is important, but knowing how to lose is even more important.
