This document discusses parallel structure and provides examples of correct and incorrect uses of parallel structure at the word, phrase, and clause level. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. It occurs when using coordinating conjunctions like "and" and after a colon introducing a list. The examples demonstrate how elements joined by coordinating conjunctions or included in a list should be grammatically similar.

1. Parallel structure
Jennifer Manzano

2. Parallel structure
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 three levels:
Word
Phrase
Clause

3. Words and phrases
Incorrect:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Correct:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

4. More examples: words & phrases
Incorrect:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly,
accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Correct:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly,
accurately, and thorouhly.

5. Examples continued
Incorrect:
Angry ants, munched the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and
sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.
Correct:
Angry ants, munching the marshmallows, crumbling coffeecake, and
sipping syrup, headed off across the countertop.

6. Clauses
Parallel structure that begins with clauses ust continue on with clauses.
Incorrect:
The coach told he players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not
eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Correct
The coach told he players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not
eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.

7. List after a colon
Incorrect:
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings,
pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Correct
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings,
pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

8. Other things to watch for:
Use parallel structure on both sides of coordinating conjuctions
(and, but, yet, or, nor, for, so)
Examples:
She possesses all the wizard’s charm yet none of the wizard’s insight.
Consultant a doctor if your coughing persists or if your coughing
worsens over the weekend.