Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure

It means using the same pattern of words to show that 2 or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Think of shapes.

Lisa likes to chew gum, she reads and
she likes wearing pink backpacks.

Lisa likes to chew gum, she reads and she likes wearing
pink backpacks.

Lisa likes to chew gum, read and wear pink backpacks.

Parallel Structure

It means using the same pattern of words to show that 2 or more ideas have the same level of importance.

Parallel Words

The alleyway was narrow, cluttered, and deserted.

(the items in the list are all adjectives)

Non-parallel Words

Rhonda likes hiking, running, and to ski.

(2 gerunds, vs. an infinitive "to ski")

To make it parallel, use 3 gerunds, "skiing")

Parallel Phrases

It was behind the diner and around the corner.

There are 2 parallel prepositional phrases.

Non-parallel Phrases

Harry is trying to outrun Jim and kicking the ball into the net.

(infinitive phrase vs. gerund phrase)

To make it parallel, use the same type of phrases.

Harry is trying to outrun Jim and to kick the ball into the net.

Non-parallel Clauses

I prefer memoirs and autobiographies, whereas fiction is preferred by my brother.

active voice vs. passive voice

Change the second clause to active voice....
"my brother prefers fiction"

Parallel Sentences

You can curse the darkness. You can light a candle instead.

These are 2 simple sentences with the same grammatical structure.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence that follows a parallel structure:

• Michael likes to travel, to swim and painting.

• Michael likes traveling, swimming and to paint.

• Michael likes travelling, swimming, and painting.

Multiple Choice

He said that he would meet you at the podiatrist and for you not to be late. 

• that he would meet you at the podiatrist and for you not to be late

• for you to meet him at the podiatrist and for you not to be late

• that he would meet you at the podiatrist and that for you not to be late

• to meet at the podiatrist and not be late

Multiple Choice

What easy classes you take your senior year and the way you waste your education are of no concern to me.

• What easy classes you take your senior year
• The easy classes you take your senior year
• The way your senior year takes easy classes
• What a waste of your senior year

Multiple Choice

Read this sentence.

The customer service representative was asked to deal with customers kindly, professionally, and in a helpful manner.

In this sentence, how is kindly, professionally, and in a helpful correctly written?

• as it is

• kindly, professionally, and helpfully.

• kindly, to be professional, and helpful.

• customers kindly, to be professional, and to be helpful.

Multiple Choice

Correct this sentence: Martha likes to swim, skiing, and to dance.

• Martha likes to swim, to ski, and to dance.

• Martha likes to swimming, to skiing, and to dancing.

• Martha likes to swim, skiing, and to sing.

Multiple Choice

Correct the sentence: I came; I saw; I have conquered.

• I came; I saw; I conquered.

• I came; I have seen; I have conquered.

• Come see me conquer.

Multiple Choice

Franklin brewed espresso, steamed milk, and ______ jokes as she prepared Mike's latte.

• tells

• will tell

• told

• was telling

Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses parallel structure?

• Her excuses bothered me more than her absence.

• Her excuses bothered me more than her being absent.