Which Sentence Correctly Uses Parallel Structure

Which Sentence Correctly Uses Parallel Structure? A Comprehensive Guide

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a powerful stylistic device that enhances the clarity, readability, and impact of your writing. It involves using the same grammatical structure for multiple elements within a sentence or series of sentences. Mastering parallel structure elevates your writing from being merely understandable to being truly effective and memorable. This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of parallel structure, providing clear examples and helping you identify and correct instances of faulty parallelism.

Understanding Parallel Structure: The Basics

At its core, parallel structure means balancing words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence by making them grammatically similar. This creates a sense of rhythm and symmetry, making your writing easier to read and understand. Think of it like a perfectly balanced scale – each side must have equal weight.

Example of Correct Parallel Structure:

• Incorrect: She enjoys swimming, to bike, and hiking.
• Correct: She enjoys swimming, biking, and hiking. (All elements are gerunds)

Why is Parallel Structure Important?

• Clarity: Parallel structure makes your writing clear and unambiguous. Readers can easily grasp the relationship between the different elements.
• Readability: Parallel sentences flow smoothly and are more pleasant to read. The consistent grammatical structure makes the information easier to process.
• Emphasis: Parallelism can emphasize the equal importance of the items in a list or series.
• Professionalism: Using parallel structure demonstrates attention to detail and strengthens your credibility as a writer.

Identifying and Correcting Faulty Parallelism

Faulty parallelism occurs when the grammatical structure of items in a list or series is inconsistent. This creates confusion and disrupts the flow of your writing. Let's examine some common types of faulty parallelism and how to correct them.

1. Inconsistent Parts of Speech

This is one of the most common errors. The items in a list should all be nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, or phrases of the same type.

• Incorrect: He is intelligent, kind, and has a great sense of humor. (Adjective, adjective, verb phrase)
• Correct: He is intelligent, kind, and humorous. (All adjectives)
• Correct: He is intelligent, kind, and possesses a great sense of humor. (All verb phrases)

2. Mixing Verb Forms (Infinitives, Gerunds, Participles)

Infinitives (to + verb), gerunds (verb + -ing), and participles (verb + -ing or -ed) are often incorrectly mixed in parallel structures.

• Incorrect: I like to swim, running, and to hike. (Infinitive, gerund, infinitive)
• Correct: I like to swim, to run, and to hike. (All infinitives)
• Correct: I like swimming, running, and hiking. (All gerunds)

3. Inconsistent Phrases or Clauses

When using phrases or clauses in parallel structures, ensure they all begin and end with the same grammatical elements.

• Incorrect: The teacher said that the students should study hard, they should attend class regularly, and that they should complete their assignments on time. (Different sentence structures)
• Correct: The teacher said that the students should study hard, attend class regularly, and complete their assignments on time. (All clauses starting with "should" and ending with a verb)

4. Mismatched Prepositions

Prepositions (words like "of," "to," "in," "on") should be consistent when used in parallel structures.

• Incorrect: She is skilled in painting, sculpting, and with pottery. (Different prepositions)
• Correct: She is skilled in painting, sculpting, and pottery. (Consistent use of "in")

5. Incorrect Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions (such as "both...and," "either...or," "neither...nor," "not only...but also") require parallel structures on either side.

• Incorrect: She is not only intelligent but also has a good work ethic. (Adjective, verb phrase)
• Correct: She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. (Both adjectives)
• Correct: She is not only intelligent but also possesses a good work ethic. (Both verb phrases)

Advanced Parallel Structure Techniques

Beyond the basics, parallel structure can be employed in more sophisticated ways to enhance your writing's elegance and impact.

1. Parallelism in Compound Sentences

Parallelism can greatly improve the clarity and flow of compound sentences (sentences joined by conjunctions like "and," "but," "or").

• Incorrect: The dog barked loudly, and the cat hissed ferociously at the intruder.
• Correct: The dog barked loudly, and the cat hissed ferociously at the intruder. (Both clauses are parallel, describing actions)
• Incorrect: She loves to dance, sing, and playing the piano.
• Correct: She loves to dance, to sing, and to play the piano.

2. Parallelism in Lists and Series

When creating lists or series of items, ensure each item follows the same grammatical pattern. This is especially crucial when using bullet points or numbered lists.

• Incorrect: To succeed in college, you need to attend classes regularly, hard work, and good study habits.
• Correct: To succeed in college, you need regular class attendance, hard work, and good study habits. (All nouns)

3. Parallelism with Appositives

Appositives are phrases that rename or explain a noun. When using appositives in parallel structures, ensure they maintain the same grammatical structure.

• Incorrect: My favorite activities are hiking, a challenging sport; swimming, a relaxing pastime; and reading, a rewarding hobby.
• Correct: My favorite activities are hiking (a challenging sport), swimming (a relaxing pastime), and reading (a rewarding hobby). (Each appositive is a noun phrase.)

4. Parallelism and Rhetorical Devices

Parallel structure can be effectively combined with other rhetorical devices, such as anaphora (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) or epistrophe (repetition at the end).

• Example of Anaphora with Parallelism: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. (Martin Luther King Jr.)

Practical Exercises to Master Parallel Structure

The best way to master parallel structure is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you hone your skills:

1. Identify and correct faulty parallelism in the following sentences:
   • He is known for his kindness, generosity, and being helpful.
   • She enjoys reading books, watching movies, and to listen to music.
   • The recipe calls for flour, sugar, and you need to add eggs.
   • The children were excited about visiting the zoo, to go to the park, and they wanted to have a picnic.
2. Rewrite the following sentences using parallel structure:
   • My goals are to graduate college, get a good job, and be happy.
   • The house is old, needs repairs, and is expensive.
   • She is a talented musician, plays several instruments, and sings beautifully.
3. Create your own sentences using parallel structure, incorporating different parts of speech and sentence structures.

By consistently practicing these exercises and carefully reviewing your writing, you will greatly improve your ability to use parallel structure effectively. The enhanced clarity, flow, and impact of your writing will be a testament to your mastery of this fundamental stylistic element. Remember that perfecting parallel structure is an ongoing process, so keep practicing and refining your skills. The effort will be well worth it, leading to more polished, persuasive, and ultimately successful writing.