Parallelism Lesson

Parallelism Lesson

​(Parallel Structure)

Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas are equally important.

Parallelism adds rhythm and style to your writing!

Faulty parallelism makes your sentences sound awkward and too wordy.

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• ​My dad likes juggling, playing cards, and to watch movies.

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• The librarian scolded the children for talking loudly and the mess they made.

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• ​Before an exam, Melissa makes sure she has had a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and that she has exercised for 30 minutes.

Correct Parallelism!

• My dad likes juggling, playing cards, and watching movies.

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• The librarian scolded the children for talking loudly and making a mess.

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• Before an exam, Melissa makes sure she has had a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and 30 minutes of exercise.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• Our new puppy is both friendly and has a lot of energy.

• Our new puppy is both friendly and energetic.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• Would you rather go to a movie, go out for pizza, or stay home and bake cookies?

• Would you rather go to a movie, going out for pizza, or staying home and baking cookies?

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• At soccer camp, I want to practice dribbling, shooting, and how to pass.

• At soccer camp, I want to practice dribbling, shooting, and passing.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• I would rather clean my entire house than babysit my little brother.

• I would rather clean my entire house than to babysit my little brother.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• The quarterback has good vision, strong arms, and runs fast by using his long legs.

• The quarterback has good vision, strong arms, and long legs that help him run fast.

Remember, parallelism creates balance and rhythm in your sentences.

• FAULTY: The best places to eat are casual, fun, and you can get a meal for cheap.

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• CORRECT: The best places to eat are casual, fun, and cheap.

Multiple Choice

Pasta boiling in water, __________, and garlic bread baking in the oven welcomed Francisco as he opened the door.

• simmered tomato sauce in the pan

• tomato sauce simmering in the pan

• tomato sauce that simmered in the pan

• saucy tomatoes that were simmering in the pan

Multiple Choice

During our vacation in the Bahamas, we hope __________, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and to dance ourselves dizzy at Reggae clubs.

• that we eat delicious seafood

• that eating delicious seafood occurs

• to eat delicious seafood

• eating delicious seafood

Multiple Choice

Karen wished Ray chewed with his mouth closed, for otherwise he was everything she wanted in a date; he was tall, intelligent, and __________.

• he looked good

• being good looking

• one handsome man to look at

• handsome

Multiple Choice

To win Laurie’s love, Albert visited the florist for roses, the drugstore for a box of chocolates, and __________.

• bought an expensive gold necklace at the jewelry store

• the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace

• the jeweler where he bought an expensive gold necklace

• to buy an expensive gold necklace

Multiple Choice

Kimberly won’t date Terry because he is too short, too noisy, and _________.

• because he picks his teeth with his fingers

• too impolite

• is the most impolite man she has ever met

• picking his teeth with his fingers