Advanced Grammar: Parallelism

Definition & Concept

Concept: Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is a grammatical rule which states that elements in a sentence that are alike in function must also be alike in structure (form). It's about creating balance and rhythm in your writing.

Why is it important?

Parallelism makes sentences clearer, more elegant, and easier to understand. A lack of parallelism can make sentences sound awkward and confusing. It is one of the most frequently tested topics in sentence correction sections of competitive exams.

Not Parallel: She likes to swim, hiking, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel: She likes to swim, to hike, and to ride a bicycle.
Also Parallel: She likes swimming, hiking, and riding a bicycle.

Rules & Syntax

Syntax: Parallelism applies to words, phrases, and clauses.

Where and How to Use Parallel Structure

1. With Coordinating Conjunctions (FANBOYS): When connecting items with `for`, `and`, `nor`, `but`, `or`, `yet`, `so`, ensure the items have the same grammatical form.
- Example: He is tall, strong, and handsome. (Parallel adjectives)
2. With Correlative Conjunctions: The grammatical structure following the first part of the pair must match the structure following the second part. Common pairs are `not only...but also`, `either...or`, `neither...nor`, `both...and`.
- Example: She is not only a great singer but also an excellent dancer. (Parallel noun phrases)
3. In Comparisons: When comparing two things using words like `than` or `as`, the items being compared should be grammatically parallel.
- Example: Working hard is better than not working at all. (Parallel gerund phrases)
4. In Lists or Series: All items in a list, whether separated by commas or semicolons, should be in the same form.
- Example: The manager's duties are hiring new employees, training the staff, and evaluating performance. (Parallel gerund phrases)

How to Identify Parallelism Errors

How to Identify: Spotting these errors requires a systematic approach.

A 3-Step Guide to Identification

Find the Conjunction/Marker: First, look for the words that link items together. These are your triggers.
- Coordinating Conjunctions: `and`, `but`, `or`.
- Correlative Conjunctions: `not only...but also`, `either...or`, `neither...nor`.
- Comparison Words: `than`, `as`.
Identify the Items in the List/Comparison: Carefully identify the words, phrases, or clauses that are being linked by the conjunction.
Check for Grammatical Balance: Compare the grammatical form of each item in the list. Are they all nouns? All infinitives (`to + verb`)? All gerunds (`-ing` nouns)? All prepositional phrases? If you find a mix of different forms, you have found a parallelism error.

Example Analysis: `The witness spoke calmly and with confidence.`
1. Conjunction: `and`.
2. Items in List: The first item is `calmly`. The second item is `with confidence`.
3. Check Balance: `calmly` is an adverb. `with confidence` is a prepositional phrase. They are not in the same grammatical form. This is a parallelism error.
Correction: `The witness spoke calmly and confidently.` (Two adverbs).

100 Examples of Parallelism (50 Pairs)

Incorrect: She likes swimming, hiking, and to ride a bicycle.
Correct: She likes swimming, hiking, and riding a bicycle.
Correction: All items in the list are now parallel gerunds.
Incorrect: The report was written clearly, concisely, and it was accurate.
Correct: The report was written clearly, concisely, and accurately.
Correction: All three items are now parallel adverbs modifying 'written'.
Incorrect: He was asked to stop talking, to put away his phone, and that he should pay attention.
Correct: He was asked to stop talking, to put away his phone, and to pay attention.
Correction: The structure is now a parallel list of three infinitive phrases.
Incorrect: The manager is not only a good leader but also he is a great mentor.
Correct: The manager is not only a good leader but also a great mentor.
Correction: Both items (`a good leader` and `a great mentor`) are now parallel noun phrases.
Incorrect: To succeed is opening a new opportunity.
Correct: To succeed is to open a new opportunity.
Correction: Both sides of the linking verb 'is' are now parallel infinitives.
Incorrect: The witness spoke calmly and with confidence.
Correct: The witness spoke calmly and confidently.
Correction: Mixes an adverb with a prepositional phrase. Corrected to two parallel adverbs.
Incorrect: My friend is kind, generous, and likes to help.
Correct: My friend is kind, generous, and helpful.
Correction: Mixes adjectives with a verb phrase. Corrected to three parallel adjectives.
Incorrect: The company's objectives are to increase profits, reducing costs, and to improve quality.
Correct: The company's objectives are to increase profits, to reduce costs, and to improve quality.
Correction: Mixes infinitives with a gerund. Corrected to a parallel list of infinitives.
Incorrect: What you say is less important than the way you are acting.
Correct: What you say is less important than what you do.
Correction: Compares a noun clause with a noun phrase. Corrected to two parallel noun clauses.
Incorrect: His new car is sleek, fast, and has a lot of power.
Correct: His new car is sleek, fast, and powerful.
Correction: Mixes adjectives with a verb phrase. Corrected to three parallel adjectives.
Incorrect: The presentation was both informative and it was also entertaining.
Correct: The presentation was both informative and entertaining.
Correction: The correlative conjunction `both...and` joins an adjective with a clause. Corrected to join two parallel adjectives.
Incorrect: The candidate's experience is better than his opponent.
Correct: The candidate's experience is better than his opponent's experience. (or `that of his opponent`)
Correction: An illogical comparison between 'experience' and a person ('opponent'). Corrected to compare experience with experience.
Incorrect: She is a writer, a mother, and works as a teacher.
Correct: She is a writer, a mother, and a teacher.
Correction: Mixes nouns with a verb phrase. Corrected to a parallel list of three nouns.
Incorrect: I would rather work at home than going to the office.
Correct: I would rather work at home than go to the office.
Correction: `Rather...than` requires parallel verb forms. `work` (base verb) must be parallel with `go` (base verb).
Incorrect: The city is famous for its museums, its parks, and you can visit the old castle.
Correct: The city is famous for its museums, its parks, and its old castle.
Correction: Mixes noun phrases with a clause. Corrected to a parallel list of three noun phrases.
Incorrect: He is either a fool or is a madman.
Correct: He is either a fool or a madman.
Correction: `either...or` should join parallel elements. The verb `is` applies to both.
Incorrect: The benefits of exercise include strengthening the heart, to lose weight, and improving your mood.
Correct: The benefits of exercise include strengthening the heart, losing weight, and improving your mood.
Correction: A mix of gerunds and an infinitive. Corrected to a parallel list of gerunds.
Incorrect: The instructions were to assemble the parts, connecting the wires, and to test the device.
Correct: The instructions were to assemble the parts, to connect the wires, and to test the device.
Correction: A mix of infinitive and participle. Corrected to three parallel infinitives.
Incorrect: He is a man of great intelligence and who has a lot of courage.
Correct: He is a man of great intelligence and of great courage.
Correction: A prepositional phrase is mixed with a relative clause. Corrected to two parallel prepositional phrases.
Incorrect: The manager praised the team for their hard work and because they were dedicated.
Correct: The manager praised the team for their hard work and their dedication.
Correction: A noun phrase is mixed with a clause. Corrected to two parallel noun phrases.
Incorrect: It is easier to tell the truth than living with a lie.
Correct: It is easier to tell the truth than to live with a lie.
Correction: Compares an infinitive with a gerund phrase. Corrected to two parallel infinitives.
Incorrect: The storm was powerful, destructive, and lasted for hours.
Correct: The storm was powerful, destructive, and long-lasting.
Correction: Mixes adjectives with a verb phrase. Corrected to three parallel adjectives.
Incorrect: He is a politician who is well-known and respected by many people.
Correct: He is a politician who is well-known and respected by many people.
Correction: Joins a simple adjective `well-known` with a passive verb `is respected`. Corrected to join two parallel past participles acting as adjectives.
Incorrect: She spent her vacation reading novels, visiting museums, and she took a lot of pictures.
Correct: She spent her vacation reading novels, visiting museums, and taking a lot of pictures.
Correction: Mixes gerund phrases with a clause. Corrected to three parallel gerund phrases.
Incorrect: The climate in the south is hotter than the north.
Correct: The climate in the south is hotter than the climate in the north. (or `that of the north`)
Correction: Illogically compares 'climate' with a place ('the north'). Corrected to compare climate with climate.