Parallelism

Parallel Structure

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

I can revise sentences to include parallel structure. (L.1a)

PARALLEL STRUCTURE adds rhythm, style, and balance to writing and strengthens the connection among ideas

Faulty parallelism makes sentences sound awkward and wordy.

FAULTY

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

Look at the items in the list.

*Which one is worded differently?

*How can you revise the sentence so the items in the list are in the same form?

Parallel

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

OR

My dad likes to juggle, play cards, and watch movies.

Which is best? Why?

FAULTY

The mad scientist likes to mix chemicals and studying reactions.

Rewrite this sentence be to create parallel structure.

Parallel

The mad scientist likes to mix chemicals and study reactions.

OR

The mad scientist likes mixing chemicals and studying reactions.

Which sentence is best? Why?

FAULTY

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

Rewrite this sentence to create parallel structure.

Parallel

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

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

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

• Our new puppy is both friendly and energetic.

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 how to dribble, shoot, and passing.

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

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is parallel?

• The best places to eat are casual, fun, and inexpensive.

• The best places to eat are casual, fun, and you can eat for not a lot of money.

• The best places to eat are inexpensive, fun, and you don't have to dress up.

• The best places to eat are not dressy, there's something to do, and the food isn't expensive.

Remember, PARALLEL STRUCTURE creates balance and rhythm in your sentences.

Multiple Choice

Maribeth wished that Ryan chewed with his mouth closed, for otherwise he was everything she wanted in a date; he was tall, intelligent, and ___.

• he looked good

• was one handsome man to look at

• being good looking

• handsome

Multiple Choice

Journey won't date Terrick because he is too short, ___, and too noisy.

• he picks his teeth with his fingers

• is the most impolite man she's ever met

• too impolite

• picking his teeth with his fingers

Multiple Choice

During our vacation in the Bahamas, we hope to ___ and enjoy beautiful sunsets.

• that we eat delicious seafood

• eat delicious seafood

• that eating delicious seafood occurs

• eating delicious seafood

Multiple Choice

To win Laurie's love, Brylee visited the florist for a dozen long-stemmed roses, the drugstore for a box of chocolates, and ___.

• bought an expensive gold necklace at the jewelry story.

• the jeweler where he bought an expensive gold necklace

• the jeweler for an expensive gold necklace

• to buy an expensive gold necklace

Multiple Choice

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

• simmered sauce in the pan

• sauce that simmered in the pan

• sauce simmering in the pan

• saucy tomatoes that were simmering in the pan

Additional Practice

Complete the assigned practice activities on Quill.