Which Sentence Uses Correct Parallel Structure

Mastering Parallel Structure: Identifying Correct Parallelism in Sentences

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a fundamental principle of grammar that significantly impacts the clarity, readability, and overall effectiveness of your writing. It involves using the same grammatical structure for similar items in a series, whether these are words, phrases, or clauses. Understanding and correctly applying parallel structure enhances the flow of your sentences, making your writing more concise, elegant, and persuasive. This article will delve into the intricacies of parallel structure, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how to identify sentences that utilize it correctly and how to rectify those that don't.

Understanding Parallel Structure: The Basics

At its core, parallel structure ensures that elements of equal importance within a sentence maintain consistent grammatical form. This consistency creates a sense of balance and rhythm, making your writing easier to understand and more aesthetically pleasing. Imagine a poorly constructed building—it's likely unstable and unattractive. Similarly, a sentence lacking parallel structure can feel jarring and confusing to the reader.

Key Elements of Parallel Structure:

Consistency in grammatical form: Maintain consistent grammatical structures throughout the list or series. This includes using the same parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs), phrases (prepositional, participial, infinitive), and clauses (independent or dependent).
Balanced phrasing: The items in a parallel series should have a similar length and complexity to avoid creating an unbalanced and awkward sentence.
Clear relationships: Parallel structure highlights the relationship between items in a series, emphasizing their equal importance.

Identifying Correct Parallel Structure: Examples and Explanations

Let's examine several examples to illustrate how to identify sentences with correct parallel structure.

Correct Parallelism Examples:

"She enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking." This sentence uses three gerunds (verbs ending in "-ing") in parallel structure. Each activity is presented with the same grammatical form, creating a balanced and clear sentence.
"He is intelligent, hardworking, and compassionate." This sentence uses three adjectives in parallel structure to describe the subject's qualities. The consistent use of adjectives creates a smooth and rhythmic flow.
"To succeed in college, you need to study hard, manage your time effectively, and participate actively in class." Here, we have three infinitives ("to study," "to manage," "to participate") structured in parallel. Each item emphasizes a crucial step towards academic success.
"The teacher asked the students to read the chapter, answer the questions, and write a summary." This sentence utilizes three verbs ("read," "answer," "write") following the same grammatical pattern. This ensures clarity and concisely conveys the teacher's instructions.
"Not only did she finish the marathon, but she also broke her personal record." This uses the parallel structure of correlative conjunctions "not only...but also". Both clauses following the conjunctions maintain the same tense and structure.

Incorrect Parallelism Examples and Corrections:

Now, let's look at examples of incorrect parallelism and how they can be corrected:

Incorrect: "He likes to play soccer, fishing, and to hike." Correct: "He likes to play soccer, to fish, and to hike." (All infinitives) or "He likes playing soccer, fishing, and hiking." (All gerunds)
Incorrect: "The report was accurate, comprehensive, and it was well-written." Correct: "The report was accurate, comprehensive, and well-written." (All adjectives)
Incorrect: "She is a talented musician, a skilled painter, and writes poetry." Correct: "She is a talented musician, a skilled painter, and a poet." (All nouns) or "She is talented at music, painting, and writing poetry." (all phrases)
Incorrect: "My favorite activities are reading books, listening music, and to watch movies." Correct: "My favorite activities are reading books, listening to music, and watching movies." (all gerunds or all verb phrases)
Incorrect: "The cake was delicious, the presentation was stunning, and the taste was amazing." Correct: "The cake was delicious, stunningly presented, and amazing in taste." (All adjectives describing the cake) or "The cake's deliciousness, stunning presentation, and amazing taste delighted everyone." (All nouns)

Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions (e.g., both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also) require parallel structure in the phrases or clauses that follow them. Inconsistent grammatical forms after these conjunctions create a jarring and grammatically incorrect sentence.

Correct Examples:

"Both the students and the teacher were excited about the field trip." (Both nouns)
"She is not only intelligent but also incredibly creative." (Both adjectives)
"You can either complete the assignment today or submit it tomorrow." (Both verb phrases)

Incorrect Examples and Corrections:

Incorrect: "He is both talented at playing the guitar and a skilled painter." Correct: "He is both talented at playing the guitar and a skilled painter." (Maintain parallelism in both clauses by using adjectival phrases) or "He is both a talented guitarist and a skilled painter." (Both nouns)
Incorrect: "Neither the professor nor were the students prepared for the exam." Correct: "Neither the professor nor the students were prepared for the exam." (Both nouns as subjects)

Advanced Parallelism: Dealing with Complex Structures

As sentences become more complex, maintaining parallel structure requires careful attention to detail. You may encounter instances where the parallel elements themselves are phrases or clauses. In such cases, the principle remains the same: each parallel element must have the same grammatical structure.

Example:

"The company's success is attributed to its innovative products, its efficient marketing strategies, and its commitment to customer satisfaction." Each parallel element is a noun phrase.

Why Parallel Structure Matters: Impact on Clarity and Style

Using correct parallel structure is not merely a matter of grammatical correctness; it's crucial for effective communication. Parallelism enhances the clarity and readability of your writing, making it easier for your audience to grasp your ideas. It also contributes to a more polished and professional writing style. A sentence with parallel structure feels balanced and aesthetically pleasing, reinforcing the impact of your message. Inconsistent structure can lead to confusion and undermine your credibility as a writer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use parallel structure with only two items?

A: Yes, the principles of parallel structure apply even with just two items. Maintaining consistency in grammatical form between two elements improves the sentence's clarity and flow.

Q: What if I have a long list of items?

A: With longer lists, it becomes even more crucial to maintain parallel structure. Consistency keeps the list readable and prevents the reader from losing track of the ideas. You might even break a long list into several smaller, parallel lists for increased readability.

Q: How can I identify incorrect parallel structure in my own writing?

A: Read your sentences aloud. Inconsistent rhythm or awkward phrasing often signals a problem with parallelism. Also, carefully analyze the grammatical structure of each item in the series to ensure consistency.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid?

A: Some common mistakes include mixing different parts of speech (verbs and nouns), using different verb tenses, or failing to maintain consistent phrasing with correlative conjunctions. Carefully examine your sentences to avoid these errors.

Conclusion: The Power of Parallelism

Mastering parallel structure is a fundamental skill for any writer striving for clarity, precision, and stylistic excellence. By understanding and correctly applying this principle, you can elevate your writing to a new level, ensuring your messages are both easily understood and aesthetically pleasing. The consistent grammatical structure creates a rhythm and balance that enhances the overall effectiveness of your communication, leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Consistent practice and careful attention to detail will help you confidently identify and utilize correct parallel structure, improving the quality of your writing significantly. Regularly reviewing your work and consciously applying parallel structure will transform your writing and enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas with grace and precision.