Parallelism

Parallelism

Review and Practice

Objectives

• Recall the definition of key concepts.

• Identify parallel structures in a sentence.

Definition Review

• Parallelism in grammar is defined as two or more phrases or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical structure.

• A writer’s use of parallelism helps reinforce meaning for readers by emphasizing connections among ideas. It is also used to enhance style by creating a rhythm. 

Practice Exercise

Read the following sentences and identify if there is a parallel structure found in it (Yes) or if there is not (No).

Poll

Monica brewed espresso, steamed milk, and told jokes as she prepared Mike’s latte.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Natasha tried holding her breath, chewing a piece of gum, and poking her belly, but she could not quiet her empty stomach.

• Yes

• No

Poll

In the restroom, Tishena was brushing her hair, freshened her lip-gloss, and took deep breaths, trying to work up the courage to walk to her first speech class.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Celine looked behind the toilet, in the laundry basket, and checked under the bed, but she could not find Squeeze, her nine-foot albino python.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Chelsea had to paddle past a school of jellyfish, kick a small sand shark in the nose, and untangle seaweed from her surfboard before she reached her favorite point break.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Spiders that bite, hissing snakes, and squealing rodents fill the aquariums in Desmond’s basement.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Class with Dr. Rogers was a nightmare: the clock seemed stuck in place, the air conditioner blew inadequate cool, and the fluorescent bulb buzzed overhead.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Ernie is too noisy as a seatmate. Crunching on apple slices, slurping hot coffee, and the rings of his notebook snapped open and shut.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Until the family arrived home at 5 p.m., the clock ticked, the refrigerator hummed, and the dog snoring in the otherwise quiet house.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Mark looked under the bed, in the hamper, and inside his brother’s closet, but he could not find his favorite University of Florida T-shirt.

• Yes

• No

Questions or doubts?

See you next time!