Parallelism
Parallelism allows you to show order and clarity and rhythm in a sentence, a paragraph, a section, or a whole document by putting elements that have the same function in the same grammatical form. It creates a sense of balance and provides a sense of the relative importance of pieces of information. Parallelism is required in lists and series; in compound structures; in every kind of comparison, including those using than or as; and in contrasting elements.
Parallel structures may be as simple as groups of single words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.) or as complicated as groups of phrases or clauses within a sentence or headings within a document. Sometimes the parallel structures appear as pairs, sometimes as lists or series. They are usually connected with and, but, or, or nor. Now let’s see what they look like.
In the examples that follow, the elements that should be parallel are bolded.
Parallel Words:Depression and belligerence are behaviors that many abused children exhibit.
**Note: In this sentence the parallel elements are both nouns that function as the subject of the sentence. So they have to be in the same grammatical form.
In addition to single words, phrases (like prepositional phrases, verbal phrases, and noun phrases) can also be parallel structures in sentences.
Prepositional phrase:In love as in war, no holds are barred.
**Note: In this case the parallel elements are connected by as (which indicates a comparison). Be careful, though, because as isn’t always used to compare. It sometimes does other things.
Infinitive phrase: I couldn’t decide whether to pay my rent, to buy food, or to go to the movies.
Noun phrase: He had no time for school, no money for fun.
**Note: In the example above, the parallel elements are joined by a comma which indicates that a word, and, is left out.
Clauses (groups of words that contain a subject and a verb) can also be parallel elements in sentences.
Dependent Clauses: Michiko told the judge that she had been pulled out of a line of fast-moving traffic and that she had a perfect driving record.
Independent Clauses:In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current.
**Note: In the preceding example, the two independent clauses are joined by a semi-colon which indicates that the two clauses are equally important in meaning and which also indicates that the coordinating conjunction (in this case and) has been left out.
In the exercise that follows, underline the parallel structures and re-write the sentences correctly.
1. Ireland’s mountains are lush, green, and people find them attractive.
2. The coast has great seafood, clean air, and the beaches are really pretty.
3. Trevor’s eyesight causes him to squint when he reads the paper, and he has to almost close his eyes when he looks at the clock.
4. These novels were banned in Europe during the 1940’s and they were burned during the same period.
5. That roller coaster goes fast in the beginning, but in the last twenty seconds it slows down.
6. Her decision to move to New York reflected her new-found independence and she had a new perspective on life.
7. I want to learn how to fly a plane, be a captain of a yacht, and how to speak Spanish.
8. Her critique of the play seemed innovative and to challenge us.
9. Oliver has great taste in wines and he knows which foods are really good, too.
10. The resort has an excellent view of the lake for tourists, a landscaped track for joggers, and a luxurious yacht for people who like to snorkel.
When you have completed the exercise, obtain the answer sheet from Mrs. Kaplan to check your work.