Parallel structure or parallelism in written English confirms consistency throughout a piece of writing, creates fluency in writing, and enhances readability.

1. By Kamol Karmakar
Lecturer, DELL, USTC.

2. Parallel Structure:
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of
words within one or more sentences.
In a parallel structure, multiple information is
usually connected by coordinating conjunctions
such as ‘and’ or ‘or.’

3. With Infinitive Phrases:
Not Parallel: He likes to swim, surf, and riding a
bicycle.
Parallel: He likes to swim, to surf, and to ride a
bicycle.
Or,
Parallel: He likes to swim, surf, and ride a bicycle.

4. With the -ing form (Gerund) of words:
Not Parallel: He likes swimming, surfing, and to
ride a bicycle.
Parallel: He likes swimming, surfing, and bicycling .

5. With Adverbs:
Not Parallel: She wrote the article quickly,
accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel: She wrote the article quickly, accurately,
and thoroughly/ intensively.

6. With Past Tense:
Not Parallel: The man entered the room, sat on a
chair, and was discussing the plan with several
of his colleagues.
Parallel: The man entered the room, sat on a
chair, and discussed the plan with several of his
colleagues.

7. With Adjective:
Not Parallel: The song seems to be romantic,
soothing, and can be enjoyed.
Parallel: The song seems to be romantic,
soothing, and enjoyable.

8. With Nouns:
Not Parallel: Mr. Bhattacharjee is an online
activist, a doctor, an author, and he defends
human rights.
Parallel: Mr. Bhattacharjee is an online activist, a
doctor, an author, and a human rights defender.

9. With Clauses:
Not Parallel: The teacher told me that I should
attend classes regularly, that I should not submit my
assignment late, and to prepare myself for the final
exams.
Parallel: The teacher told me that I should attend
classes regularly, that I should not submit my
assignment late, and that I should prepare myself
for the final exams. Or,
Parallel: The teacher told me that I should attend
classes regularly, not submit my assignment late, and
prepare myself for the final exams.

10. With Voices:
Not Parallel: The researcher expected that he would
present his presentation at the seminar, that he would
have time to show his slide presentation, and that
questions would be asked by the attendees (Passive).
Parallel: The researcher expected that he would
present his presentation at the seminar, that he would
have time to show his slide presentation, and that the
attendees would ask him questions (Active).