Parallelism

Parallel processing or parallel construction makes grammar elements with the same function have the same form. This helps authors show order and clarity in a sentence or paragraph.

For example, if two adjectives modify the same noun, the adjectives should have similar forms. If you provide a list, each element of the list must have the same shape. Even if the first half of the sentence has a certain structure, the second half must maintain that structure. FANBOYS conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) require the words or sentences connected by the conjunction to be built in parallel. See the Good Commas lesson for more information on how to use the FANBOYS conjunction to form compound sentences.

Finally, all words, phrases and phrases used in parallel construction must have the same grammatical form and function. That is, adjectives must be combined with adjectives, nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, adverbs with adverbs, gerund verb forms and gerund verb forms, infinitive verb forms and infinitive verb forms, etc.

Why is Parallelism Important?

Parallelism allows authors to indicate order and clarity in sentences or paragraphs by placing grammatical elements with the same function in the same format. Parallelism creates recognizable patterns within writing, adding unity, power, clarity, and balance to writing.

Examples:

Amy enjoyed running and to ride horses.

(gerund form AND “infinitive form” = Not Parallel Forms)

should be: Amy enjoyed running and horseback riding.

(gerund form AND gerund form = Parallel Forms)

Our field trip included a visit to the art museum, talking to a local artist, and a workshop on oil-painting techniques.

(“Noun” AND “gerund form” AND “Noun” = Not Parallel Forms)

should be: Our field trip included visiting the art museum, talking to a local artist, and attending a workshop on oil-painting techniques.

(“gerund form” AND “gerund form” AND “gerund form” = Parallel Forms)

The vase was filled with gorgeous roses, vibrant lilies, and carnations that were dazzling.

Adjective + Noun AND Adjective + Noun AND Noun + “That” Descriptive Phrase = Not Parallel Forms)

should be: The vase was filled with gorgeous roses, vibrant lilies, and dazzling carnations.

(Adjective + Noun AND Adjective + Noun AND Adjective + Noun = Parallel Forms)

Sam loves boating and to tube on the lake.

(“gerund form” AND “infinitive form” = Not Parallel Forms)

should be: Sam loves boating and tubing on the lake.

(“gerund form” AND “gerund form” = Parallel Forms)

Patricia enjoyed running and to ride her bike.

In this sentence, the verb forms do not match. The first of the two verbs is a gerund (running), and the second verb is in the infinitive form (to ride), which is composed of the participle to and the bare form of the verb.

should be: Patricia enjoyed running and riding her bike.

The distance from Los Angeles to Detroit is greater than Detroit to New York City.

In this sentence, “The distance” only links with the first portion of the comparative construction: “from Los Angeles to Detroit.”

should be: The distance from Los Angeles to Detroit is greater than the distance from Detroit to New York City.