Transcript Parallel Structure

Parallel Structure
• You will take notes on any
information that has a bullet next
to it!
Your writing will be clearer if the ideas
within each sentence are written in a
similar way. This is called parallel or
similar form.
• To have parallel structure, use matching
nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs when
you write a list.
• Nouns
Not parallel:
The store is good for fruit, meat, and to buy
cheese.
Parallel:
The store is good for fruit, meat, and cheese.
• Adjectives
Not parallel:
The meal was tasty, quick, and the food was
good for you.
Parallel:
The meal was tasty, quick, and healthful.
• Adverbs
Not parallel:
In the rain I drove slowly, carefully, and watch
out for other drivers.
Parallel:
In the rain I drive slowly, carefully, and
defensively.
• Verb Form
Not parallel:
Doctors say I should run, swim, and go walking.
Parallel:
Doctors say I should run, swim, and walk.
Things to remember:
To check for parallel structure, you must first
identify the compound elements:
• Look for the conjunction and, but, or, or nor;
then decide which words the conjunction
joins.
• After you’ve located the compound elements,
check to be sure that the word forms are alike.
Example
Pam likes water skiing, to swim, and sails.
The verbs don’t match; therefore, we need to change it
to:
Pam likes water skiing, swimming, and sailing.
(all “ing” verbs)
OR
Pam likes to water ski, to swim, and to sail.
(all “to” verbs)
Things to remember:
• Remember you are looking for similarity in form,
not meaning.
Journalist, lawyer, and engineering are related in
meaning: all deal with occupations. However, the first
two nouns refer to people, while the third refers to a
career.
• A parallel list would be journalist, lawyer, and
engineer (all people)
or
• journalism, law, and engineering (all careers).
Example
Alexander Graham Bell was a painter, teacher, and he
invented things.
a. In this sentence, two nouns describe Alexander
Graham Bell; however, the third idea uses a verb,
invented.
b. To give the sentence parallel structure, change the
words “invented things” to a noun, or change
“painter” and “teacher” to verbs.
Alexander Graham Bell was a painter, teacher, and
inventor.
OR
Alexander Graham Bell painted, taught, and invented.
You try it:
1. Eating the right foods will help you feel healthier, more attractive, and
strongly.
Not parallel
2. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are an important part of a well-balanced
diet.
Parallel
3. They provide vitamins, minerals, and are low in fat.
Not parallel
4. Meat, fish, and poultry are good sources of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Parallel
5. Fiber, which is good for digestion, is found in plant foods like beans, peas,
and whole grain cereals.
Parallel
6. To lose weight, eat smaller portions and limiting second helpings.
Not parallel
7. Eat slowly and be careful; be sure to chew your food well.
Not parallel