1. USING PARALLEL STRUCTURES -
CONCESSIONS
• PARALLELISM means that each
item in a list or comparison follows
the same grammatical pattern.
• Coordinating conjunctions such as
and, but, and or are used to combine
ideas in a sentence.
2. • The words or phrases that are linked
with a conjunction must be
parallel, that is, function as the same
part of a speech.
• For example:
3. PARALLEL
Mary likes hiking, swimming and
bicycling.
NOT PARALLEL
Mary likes hiking, swimming and to
ride a bicycle.
4. Words, phrases and clauses that are joined
by and, or, and but are written in parallel
form.
Example:
The states regulate the noise created by
motor vehicles but not by commercial
aircraft.
5. CONCESSIONS
• Use concessions when expressing an
opinion, where you need to support your
opinion but, at the same time, recognize
and describe the opposing opinion.
• Presenting similarities and differences in
contrasting points of view makes your
argument stronger.
6. These words can be used to concede or
acknowledge similarities or differences
between two contrasting ideas. (These
words introduce dependent clauses)
although
though
even though
in spite of the fact that
despite the fact that
7. Main clause (usually describes the
point that is more important)
Even though they are not paid,
supporters of mandatory volunteering
say it is a good way for students to get
valuable experience.
8. Supporters of mandatory volunteering
say it is a good way for students to get
valuable experience, even though
they are not paid.
9. Writer’s opinion: There may be problems
with mandatory volunteering programs but
it is a good way to get valuable experience.
Acknowledging the opposite view:
Students who participate in mandatory
volunteering programs are not paid.
