Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure

By Charese Johnson

Parallel Structure Definition

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Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence.

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By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.

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For example, using the same preposition, pronouns, verbs within the sentence. 

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions. 

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​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​Rule #1

Multiple Choice

Ellen likes hiking, _________, and taking afternoon naps.

• attended the rodeo

• attending the rodeo

• to attend the rodeo

Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series (Place a comma between three or more items connected by a coordinating conjunction).

 .

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​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​Rule #2

Multiple Choice

Larry drove to the lake, parked and _________.

• gazed out over the water.

• while gazing over the water

• to gaze over the water

​Use parallel structure with elements being compared.  (X is more than / better than Y)

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Rule #3

​Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb (link a subject with its the thing that completes it) or a verb of being ((forms of be - is, are, was, were, has/have/had been, will be) - show a state of existence.

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Rule #4

Multiple Choice

To live a happy life is ___________.

• being content with yourself

• to be content with yourself

​Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction ( either...or; both...and; not only...but also)

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Rule #5

Open Ended

Write 2 sentences using the following correlative conjunctions:

Neither...nor...

not only...but also...