Proper parallel structure helps to establish balance and flow in a well-constructed sentence; the alignment of related ideas supports readability and clarity. For the most part, yes. Usually an error with parallelism will throw off the rhythm of your sentence, leaving the reader confused but not certain why. These kinds of errors will not always interfere with comprehension, but they will affect the style of your writing , placing an undue burden on the reader as he or she struggles to decipher your intention.
Unless you are making a specific point and want the reader off balance in that way, use parallel structure in your writing. Because sentences can contain a variety of grammatical elements, they can have parallel structure in a number of ways. Any time you list words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence, they should have parallel structure.
For example:. Inconsistent parallelism becomes pretty clear in short lists, like the one above. The use and misuse of this comma can change the meaning of your sentences.
Consider these examples:. Incorrect: At this new job, expect to work with emerging technology, to develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with talented professionals. Correct: At this new job, expect to work with emerging technology, to develop innovative solutions, and to collaborate with talented professionals.
Correct: At this new job, expect to work with emerging technology, develop innovative solutions, and collaborate with talented professionals. The use of a correlative conjunction not only … but also, either …. If a verb follows the first correlative conjunction, then a verb should follow the second conjunction in the set. Consider the alternative ways you can construct sentences around each pair of words to maintain parallel structure:. Using verbs : Whether you write or edit for the school paper, you have a very important free press responsibility to tell the truth.
Creating Parallelism Using Coordinating Conjunctions When you connect two clauses using a coordinating conjunction for , and , nor , but , or , yet , so , make sure that the same grammatical structure is used on each side of the conjunction. Take a look at the following example: Faulty parallelism: When I walk the dog, I like to listen to music and talking to friends on the phone.
Creating Parallelism Using Than or As When you are making a comparison, the two items being compared should have a parallel structure. Take a look at the following example: Faulty parallelism: Swimming in the ocean is much tougher than a pool. Creating Parallelism Using Correlative Conjunctions A correlative conjunction is a paired conjunction that connects two equal parts of a sentence and shows the relationship between them.
Common correlative conjunctions include the following: either…or not only…but also neither…nor whether…or rather…than both…and Correlative conjunctions should follow the same grammatical structure to create a parallel sentence. Take a look at the following example: Faulty parallelism: We can neither wait for something to happen nor can we take evasive action. Tip To see examples of parallelism in use, read some of the great historical speeches by rhetoricians such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.
Key Takeaways Parallelism creates a sense of rhythm and balance in writing by using the same grammatical structure to express equal ideas. Faulty parallelism occurs when elements of a sentence are not balanced, causing the sentence to sound clunky and awkward. Parallelism may be created by connecting two clauses or making a list using coordinating conjunctions; by comparing two items using than or as ; or by connecting two parts of a sentence using correlative conjunctions.
Exercises 1. Holloway enjoys reading and to play his guitar at weekends. The doctor told Mrs. Franklin that she should either eat less or should exercise more. Breaking out of the prison compound, the escapees moved carefully, quietly, and were quick on their feet.
I have read the book, but I have not watched the movie version. Deal with a full inbox first thing in the morning, or by setting aside short periods of time in which to answer e-mail queries. Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.
I would rather work at a second job to pay for a new car than a loan. How you look in the workplace is just as important as your behavior. The firefighter spoke more of his childhood than he talked about his job. Indian cuisine is far tastier than the food of Great Britain. The cyclist owns both a mountain bike and has a racing bike. The movie not only contained lots of action, but also it offered an important lesson. My current job is neither exciting nor is it meaningful.
I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. Love me, love me, say that you love me, Fool me, fool me, go on and fool me.
Parallelism helps make your writing as neat as a geometry equation. Specifically, one with parallel lines. You know what they say: you win some, you lose some. Real-time suggestions, wherever you write. Parallelism Alice E. Olympic athletes usually like to practice, compete, and eat ice cream sandwiches. He was hungry after he covered the gown in sequins, so he had a steak for dinner.
Grammar What Are Modal Verbs? Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Masamune M. The driving rain turned the park into a swamp and the highway into a river. Weegy: The sentence with the correct adjective and adverb is: How did you get to be so good in math?
S hare your windo w. Post comments, photos and videos, or broadcast a live stream, to friends, family, followers, or everyone. Share thoughts, events, experiences, and milestones, as you travel along the path that is uniquely yours.
Share your world. Popular Conversations. Fill in the blank space with an antonym of the italicized word. Weegy: 1.
0コメント