Grammar Presentation on Parallel Structure

1. Parallel Structure
By: Naif Bajunayd and Audrey Fisher

2. What is Parallel Structure?
• Parallel Structure is using the same pattern of words to make the flow of
writing better.
• Patterns of words are referred to as “elements.”
• Using Parallel Structure can help with;
i. Carefully managing your writing.
ii. How clear your writing is.
iii. The balance of your writing.
iv. Writing for delight.

3. What are the Elements Used?
• Words
Running, jumping, sledding, swimming, etc.
• Infinitives
To eat, to see, to speak, to write, etc.
• Prepositional phrases
By the office, around the house, etc.
• Subordinate clauses
After they left, whether you like it or not, etc.

4. There are Five Ways to use Parallelism
1. Joining elements with coordinating conjunctions.
2. Joining elements in lists or in a series.
3. Comparing elements.
4. Joining elements by a linking verb or a verb of being.
5. Joining elements by a correlative conjunction.

5. Joining Elements with Coordinating
Conjunctions
• Joining elements with or, and, or but.
• Example:
Incorrect: John likes swimming and to skate.
Correct: John likes swimming and skating.
Correct: John like to swim and to skate.
Incorrect: My cousin told me to run every morning, to walk, or to
skip.
Correct: My cousin told me to run, to walk, or to skip.

6. Joining Elements in Lists or in a Series
• A series is a group of three or more elements.
• The last element listed is connected to the others with; and, or, but, or
yet.
• Commas should be put between each element.
• Example:
Incorrect: Martial arts teach you to be respectful, have integrity and have
honor.
Correct: Martial arts teach you to be respectful, to have integrity, and to have
honor.
Incorrect: She bought milk, eggs, juice.
Correct: She bought milk, eggs, and juice.

7. Comparing Elements
• X is as / than Y
• Fill in the blank above with words like; more, less, better, or worse.
• Example:
Incorrect: I like to swim better than skiing.
Correct: I like swimming better than skiing.
Incorrect: Video games are than football.
Correct: Video games are better than football.

8. Joining Elements by a Linking Verb or a Verb
of Being
• Linking verbs and verbs of being include is and means.
• Example:
Incorrect: To read is traveling.
Correct: To read is to travel.
Incorrect: For me, to swim means sinking.
Correct: For me, swimming means sinking.
Correct: For me, to swim means to sink.

9. Joining Elements by a Correlative Conjunction
• Correlative conjunctions include either / or, neither / nor, both / and,
not only / but also.
• Example
Incorrect: Find new staff or find new customers.
Correct: Either find new staff or find new customers.
Incorrect: There were not only ducks, but geese.
Correct: There were not only ducks, but also geese.

10. The End