Parallel Structure

1. Parallel Structure
BY NICK SABOL AND JESSI TOWE

2. Which sentence is better?
Example 1.
Jason went hiking, paragliding, and for a swim.
Example 2.
Austin did his homework accurately, thoroughly, and swiftly.

3. Example 2.
 Austin did his homework accurately, thoroughly, and swiftly.
 Why? Because the sentence has the same structure throughout the whole thing.
 Austin did his homework accurately, thoroughly, and swiftly.

4. What is Parallel Structure?
The repetition of the same pattern of words or phrases within a sentence to show that two or
more ideas have the same level of importance.

5. Easy Ways to Understand Parallel
Structures?
 Especially when using lists and clauses, it is important to keep the same form of words throughout the whole sentence.
Clauses should start and end the same way.
 The teacher told us to make sure that we get to school on time, to eat a good breakfast, and to bring a pencil to class.
 If you put an “ing” at the end of one word, be consistent.
 Nick likes biking, surfing, and playing video games.
 Nouns should be paralleled with nouns.
 I have a cat, a dog, and a frog.
Adjectives should be paralleled with adjectives.
 Sarah is captivating and invigorating.

6. How are Parallel Structures joined
together?
 Parallel structures are usually joined by using coordinating conjunctions.
 The words “And” or “Or” are used frequently.
 Example: Sarah is captivating and intriguing.

7. Does this sentence have parallel
structure?
 While Marcus was working out at the gym, his roommates broke the fridge, the sink, and were
busy wrecking the dishwasher.

8. No.
 While Marcus was working out at the gym, his roommates broke the fridge, the sink, and were
busy wrecking the dishwasher.
 To make the sentence correct, remove the words “were busy wrecking.”
Correct: While Marcus was working out at the gym, his roommates broke the fridge, the sink,
and the dishwasher.

9. Does this sentence have parallel
structure?
 While Tucker was busy studying, Tristan was playing his guitar and ate some Ramen.

10. No.
 While Tucker was busy studying, Tristan was playing his guitar and ate some Ramen.
 To make this sentence correct, replace the word “ate” with the word “eating.”
Correct: While Tucker was busy studying, Tristan was playing his guitar and eating some
Ramen.

11. Does this sentence have parallel
structure?
 Jessica failed out of college because she procrastinated on her work, lacked incentive to show
up to class, and waited until the last minute to make up her late work.

12. Yes.
 Jessica failed out of college because she procrastinated on her work, lacked incentive to show
up to class, and waited until the last minute to make up her late work.
 It is correct because the sentence keeps the same consistent form throughout the whole thing.
 Jessica failed out of college because she procrastinated on her work, lacked incentive to show
up to class, and waited until the last minute to make up her late work.

13. The End.