How do you use parallel in a sentence?
Parallel Sentence Examples
- Railroad tracks
- Opposing sides of a door frame
- These two lines: \ \
How to fix problems with parallel sentence structure?
- Sentence fragments. Ensure that all word groups you’ve punctuated contain grammatically complete thought that can serve as an independent sentence.
- Sentence sprawl. Too many equally weighted phrases make the sentence look overpacked and hard to understand.
- Misplaced and hanging modifiers. ...
- Bumpy parallelism. ...
- Comma splices. ...
How to use "parallel" in a sentence?
Use “parallel” in a sentence | “parallel” sentence examples
- (1) Draw a pair of parallel lines.
- (2) Stamp collecting and coin collecting are parallel hobbies.
- (3) The lane is roughly parallel to the main road.
- (4) The road and the canal are parallel to each other.
- (5) The highway runs parallel with the railway.
- (6) The railway line runs parallel with / to the highway.
- (7) The parallel lines appear to diverge.
How to write parallel sentences?
Parallelism: How to Write and Identify Parallel Sentences
- Coordinating Conjunctions. To spot potential parallelism pitfalls, first look for the coordinating conjunctions in a sentence - those are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so - and then ...
- Correlative Conjunctions. Sentences that contain correlative conjunctions must also be parallel. ...
- Items in a Series. ...
- Clauses. ...
How do you know if a sentence is parallel structure?
Ellen likes hiking, attending the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps. Ellen likes to hike, attend the rodeo, and take afternoon naps. When you connect two or more clauses or phrases with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so), use parallel structure.
What is an example of parallel structure in a sentence?
In this sentence, a series of verbs are presented in parallel structure: Parallel: Her children like to swim, hike and ride dirt bikes. NOT parallel: Her children like to swim, hike, and riding dirt bikes.
What is parallelism give 5 examples?
Parallel Structure & Parallelism | Definition, Use & ExamplesNot parallelParallelI like to jog, bake, paint, and watching movies.I like to jog, bake, paint, and watch movies. I like jogging, baking, painting, and watching movies.May 2, 2019
What are the 5 rules of parallelism?
Here are five parallelism rules.Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series.Use parallel structure with elements being compared. ( ... Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of being.More items...
What are 2 examples of parallel lines?
Parallel lines Examples from Real LifeThe railway tracks run parallel to each other. ... The edges of a ruler are parallel to each other.Cricket stumps are parallel.Lines on a ruled paper are parallel.Zebra crossing has parallel white lines.The opposite boundaries of an eraser are parallel.More items...•
What are the parallel structure words?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."
Is the best example of parallelism?
For the most part, parallelism in rhetoric will look the same in grammar. For example: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” This famous English proverb is a very good parallelism example being employed in rhetoric.
What is parallel statement example?
A parallel structure can be constructed in word, phrase or clause level in different sentences. Example: Not Parallel: Ryan likes swimming (noun), hiking (noun), and to ride a motorcycle (phrase). Parallel: Ryan likes swimming(noun), hiking(noun), and riding a motorcycle(noun)
What is the classic example of parallel structure?
The classic, literally classic example of parallel structure is Julius Caesar saying, I came, I saw, I conquered, right? Parallel, three little sentences, I verb, I verb, I verb. That's parallel.
What are the parallel structure rules?
Parallelism is a similarity of grammatical form for similar elements of meaning within a sentence or among sentences. If two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form. Single words should be balanced with single words, phrases with phrases, clauses with clauses.
What is the classic example of parallel structure?
The classic, literally classic example of parallel structure is Julius Caesar saying, I came, I saw, I conquered, right? Parallel, three little sentences, I verb, I verb, I verb. That's parallel.
What are three example of a parallel line?
Railway track lines, window lines,wicket sticks in cricket match. Was this answer helpful?
What sentence is the best example of parallelism?
For the most part, parallelism in rhetoric will look the same in grammar. For example: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” This famous English proverb is a very good parallelism example being employed in rhetoric.
What is a parallel phrase?
Sometimes sentences have more than one phrase. All the phrases in a sentence must have the same structure, e.g. gerund plus noun, to be parallel.
What is an example of a parallel structure?
Parallel structures can be applied to nouns, verbs, phrases, and clauses. This is an example of a parallel structure applied to verbs: Nina compos...
How do you write a parallel sentence?
Usually, parallel sentences contain coordinating conjunctions or correlative conjunctions. Writers need to assure that the elements on either side...
What is a grammatically correct parallel sentence?
A grammatically correct sentence is a sentence that is balanced. For example, all the verbs are in the same tense, such as present or past.
How do you know if a sentence is parallel?
If the elements on both sides of the coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions are grammatically the same, then that sentence is paral...
What is parallel structure?
Parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. Words and phrases within a sentence should not only match in structure, but also in tense. Writers use parallel structure to add clarity to their writing, ...
Why is parallel structure important?
Parallel structure provides flow in a sentence. It keeps your writing balanced and makes it easier to read. It also shows that ideas are of equal importance. Errors in parallel structure can make your writing sound strange to listeners. Many tests, including the SAT, will require you to identify parallel structure errors as a means of testing your writing abilities. To further expand your knowledge about parallel structure in writing, review these examples of parallelism in literature and rhetoric.
What tests require you to identify parallel structure errors?
Many tests, including the SAT, will require you to identify parallel structure errors as a means of testing your writing abilities. To further expand your knowledge about parallel structure in writing, review these examples of parallelism in literature and rhetoric.
What does bolding mean in a sentence?
The bold words indicate that parallel construction is used correctly.
Why do writers use parallel structure?
Writers use parallel structure to add clarity to their writing, make it easier to understand and show that their writing is structurally and grammatically correct. Explore parallel structure examples to better understand the concept. parallel structure example sentence. Advertisement.
What does Joe like to do?
Joe likes running, walking and outdoor activities. ("Running" and "walking" are parallel with each other, but "outdoor activities" is not parallel. Use "participating in outdoor activities" or similar.) We enjoy relaxing and like to sit out in the sun.
What does Ashley like to do?
Ashley likes to ski, to swim and jump. (There needs to be a "to" between "and" and "jump," to be parallel with the other items. ) She likes dancing and to sing songs. (This should pair "to dance" with "to sing" so the infinitive form is used throughout the sentence.)
What is a parallel sentence?
Sentences that contain correlative conjunctions must also be parallel. So a correlative conjunction can take the form of either...or, neither...nor, both ... and, and not only ... but also. These pairings highlight a connection, or correlation, between two elements. Here's an example of a sentence that uses correlative conjunctions but is not parallel:
Why is the sentence "to be quick" unbalanced?
This sentence is unbalanced because the infinitive to be quick is not parallel with the clause that they must be.
How to spot parallelism pitfalls?
To spot potential parallelism pitfalls, first look for the coordinating conjunctions in a sentence - those are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so - and then look to either side of the conjunction to see if it's parallel. So here's an example of a sentence without parallel structure:
What is the lesson about parallel structure?
The structures directly following the conjunctions have to match and that's the important lesson about parallel structure.
What do sasquatch do?
Sasquatch enjoys taking long walks in the forest, playing with small woodland creatures, and to devour wandering tourists.
What is a sentence without parallel structure?
A sentence without parallel structure is like an imbalanced aircraft; it'll get you from point A to point B, but no one's going to congratulate the pilot when it lands.
What would happen if the attendants didn't move your seat?
Have you ever been on a flight when an attendant asked you to move your seat to help balance the aircraft? If the attendants didn't do this, the plane would probably still fly, but you'd be in for a rough flight.
What is parallelism in a sentence?
Parallelism in sentences refers to matching grammatical structures. Elements in a sentence that have the same function or express similar ideas should be grammatically parallel, or grammatically matched. Parallelism is used as a rhetorical and stylistic device in literature, speeches, advertising, and popular songs.
Why is parallelism important in prose?
Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country—John F. Kennedy. Parallelism lends balance and grace to writing. It can make a sentence memorable. Even in prose not destined for greatness, parallelism is important.
What is a failure to create grammatically parallel structures when they are appropriate?
A failure to create grammatically parallel structures when they are appropriate is referred to as faulty parallelism. In the following examples, note the difference between correct parallel structure and faulty parallelism.
What is a series in a sentence?
When your sentence includes a series, make sure you have not used different grammatical structures for the items. In the parallel version, all the elements in the series begin with gerunds: skiing, swimming, driving. In the nonparallel version, the final element is a noun but not a gerund.
What are the elements of a series that begin with gerunds?
In the parallel version, all the elements in the series begin with gerunds: skiing, swimming, driving . In the nonparallel version, the final element is a noun but not a gerund. The elements would remain parallel even if the phrases following the gerunds were changed or omitted.
What is antithetical construction?
In antithetical constructions, something is true of one thing but not another. But not and rather than are used to set up these constructions. As with comparisons, both parts of an antithetical construction should be parallel.
When you are comparing items in a sentence, will parallelism be important?
Make sure that the elements you are comparing or contrasting are grammatically parallel . He spoke more of being ambassador than of being president. NOT He spoke more of his term as ambassador than being president.
Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms
Dr. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks.
Examples of Parallel Structure
Parallel structure can be observed in many forms of writing. Proverbs, for example, provide a simple way to grasp the concept of parallel structure.
Guidelines for Creating Parallel Structure
To create parallel structure, keep in mind that adjectives should be paralleled by adjectives, nouns by nouns, dependent clauses by dependent clauses, and so on.
Why is the sentence "run eating and jump" not parallel?
The list in this sentence is run, eating, and jump. This sentence is not parallel because the grammatical formation of the things you like to do are not the same. We need to make the structure of the words agree with each other.
What are the verbs in "that you"?
Similar to our infinitive 'to' earlier in the lesson, 'that you' is working for all three verbs (eat, drink, and exercise).
Why is it easier to list and compare items in a sentence?
Like train tracks being the same gauge makes transporting goods easier, listing or comparing items in a sentence is easier to understand when those items have parallel structure, meaning the words must be formed in the same way or must use the same grammatical structure. This repetition of word form makes the sentence flow correctly and adds clarity for the reader or listener. Let's look a little closer at the rules for parallel structure.
How many coordinating conjunctions are there in a list?
When making lists, many times you will use one of the seven coordinating conjunctions which join words of equal rank together. They are:
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
What is a group of words with a subject and verb?
Clauses are a group of words with a subject and verb.
When to use parallel structure?
When writing these kinds of sentences, you will want to use parallel structure, which is when a grammatical form is repeated in a sentence.
Why is parallel structure important?
Parallel structure is vital in your writing in order to produce a piece of work with clarity and readability. Consistency is the key, and your readers will be thankful for the ease in which they will be able to absorb and understand your writing. Parallel structure provides balance and clarity to writing.
What are the two pairs of correlative conjunctions?
You can also use correlative conjunctions to combine two phrases or clauses. Correlative conjunctions come in pairs, such as 'not only' and 'also', 'or' and 'neither', 'if' and 'then' . You will need to have equal grammatical units after both parts of the conjunction.
What happens if there is no parallel structure?
If a lack of parallel structure exists, you will need to exchange the item that does not match the others. Remember that parallel structure will exist if you are including a list of actions or items. These items should maintain the same part of speech. For example, if one is a verb, they should all be verbs of the same tense, or if one is a noun, they all should be nouns.
What does it mean to enroll in a course?
Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams.
How to learn a new concept?
The best way to learn a new concept is through practice. In this exercise, you will evaluate examples of proper and improper use of parallel structure and then you will create your own examples.
When using parallel structure in writing, remember to mix forms?
When using parallel structure in your writing, remember not to mix forms; be consistent with your verb tense and double check to ensure your items or actions in a list are all nouns. Reading aloud is an effective strategy to identify any errors that may exist with your parallel structure.
How to complete an essay?
5. The best way to complete an essay is to research a topic thoroughly, write clearly, edit properly, and proof-read when finished.
