When a sentence or passage lacks parallel construction, it is likely. Parallel structure worksheet making the sentences parallel instruction. Parallel structure practice quizclick on the answer that you think is correct. Choose the option that maintains parallel structure in the sentence. Sentences that lack parallel structure must be revised so that actions or items in a pair or list have the same grammatical structure. To achieve parallelism, you must use the same verb, noun, adverb, or adjective forms consistently throughout a sentence. Parallel structure also called parallelism is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence.
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. Understanding parallel structure parallel structure also called parallelism is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. Parallel structure is when you balance the grammatical structures of words, clauses, sentences, or phrases in your writing. Below is an example of a grammatically incorrect sentence without parallel structure. The plaintiff was wasting the courts time and prejudiced my client. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily. That means they are two lines that continuously have the same distance between them and never intersect.
Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read. Mike likes to listen to rock music and reading mystery novels. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same. And within each of the two middle sentences, evocative contrasts are. Check the structure on either side of commas and conjunctions fanboys to see if the structures, words, phrases, clauses, and verbs match.
Not what counts isnt how you look but your behavior. In the four sentences below, circle the correct word or phrase that gives the sentence correct parallel structure. Creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to. To learn how to write sentences with parallel structure. This parallel structure test checks if you can choose the parallel option, which. The paragraph itself is a parallel construction, with its four sentences each leading off with the invocation now is the time. Writers use parallel structures to communicate ideas that have the same importance using the same grammatical structure. When you write, you want readers to understand what you are saying. We make words or phrases parallel when we are writing things in a list or series, and each word must have the same grammatical form. My grandfathers favorite pastime is to eat in trendy restaurants and visiting art.
We make words or phrases parallel when we are writing things in a list or. Repair faulty parallelism with linking verbs or verbs of being by making one element of the equation parallel to the other. Check the rules for parallel structure and check your sentences as you write and when you proofread your work. This means that ideas in a sentence or paragraph that are similar should be expressed in parallel grammatical form e. For example, all verbs should be in the same tense and form. These structures place words within a sentence or even a group of sentences in the same grammatical slots. In the nonparallel structure, there are two gerunds acting as nouns and one infinitive to read, which makes the sentence awkward and harder to process. The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process. Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407 8676420 parallel structure parallel structure adds both clout and clarity to your writing. Parallel structure parallel structure or parallelism is the rule that words or phrases in a series should be in the same from. Faulty parallelism occurs when writers do not use a parallel structure to communicate a series of ideas. Maintaining parallelism helps writers avoid grammatically incorrect sentences.
Joseph bought a jacket, a pair of shoes, and a tie. If youre seeing this message, it means were having trouble loading external resources on our website. Parallel structure parallel structure is a tool to create a series of words, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same grammatical form. Writing clear sentences worksheet 1 parallel structure.
Therefore, a parallel structure, otherwise known as parallelism, is a stylistic device used to increase the readability of ones writing by creating a word pattern that readers can easily follow. Julia is in charge of stocking the shelves, writing orders, and to sell computers. Parallel sentences structure and examples examples. Parallel structure is important in both sentences and phrases. Parallelism enhances a texts connection to its reader. This is used to add clarity when making a list or comparing items in a sentence. In the correct version, all items have a similar structure i.
Writers use parallel structure in the words and phrases in their sentences. If you are making lists or comparing items in a sentence, parallel structure must be used, otherwise, you will confuse your reader. Rhetorical question a question asked for effect or to emphasize a point that does not require a reply. Recognizing proper parallel structure read each pair of sentences. This worksheet is one of many worksheets that covers clear sentences. Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407. A failure to create grammatically parallel structures when they are appropriate is referred to as faulty parallelism. Parallel structure in sentences clarion university. He was handsome, brave, and the sort of person who would do anything for you. Constructing sentences 5 constructing sentences checkup instructions there are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including runon sentences, sentence fragments, faulty parallel structure, misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers, faulty subjectverb agreement, and faulty pronoun agreement.
To have parallel structure, use matching nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs when you write a list. Under handouts, we have posted pdfs of the powerpoint. If youre behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains. Constructing sentences 7 the simple sentence when we write, a complete thought is called a sentence. The use of parallel structure is essential for good writing, helping to add clarity and strength to your writing. A parallel structure, also known as parallelism, refers to a grammatical construction having two or more words, phrases or clauses that are identical in form or length. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as and or or. Parallel structure also called parallelism is when two or more items for example, nouns or clauses are balanced within a sentence or between sentences. It emphasizes on the same level of importance of multiple ideas or information given in the same sentence.
Continued continued continued the end parallel structure words and phrases more examples. You can use to before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one. In grammar, it is also called parallel structure or parallel construction. The use of parallel structure is essential for good writing, helping to add. This grammatical form can be used with a variety of structures including infinitives, words, clauses and lists. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Parallelism refers to using similar words, clauses, phrases, sentence structure, or other grammatical elements to emphasize similar ideas in a sentence. In the non parallel structure, there are two gerunds acting as nouns and one infinitive to read, which makes the sentence awkward and harder to process. Its simply the practice of using the same structures or forms multiple times. Clauses lists after a colon other things to watch for. By convention, items in a series appear in parallel grammatical form. Parallel structure isnt a set rule, but more of a stylistic choice. The investment firm must choose to either disclose its clients to the sec or to immediately return the funds to those clients. By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.
Achieving parallel structure parallelism ensures that similar clauses or phrases are uniform in expression and function. Parallel structure is important especially in items in a series, paired items, and items. Click on the link below to complete an exercise on parallel structure with linking. Below are three rules to consider when checking for parallel structure in your writing. Parallelism is a grammatical term for arranging words of identical or equivalent syntactical constructions in corresponding clauses, phrases, lists, etc. Parallel structure usc dana and david dornsife college of. The words run, hunt and hike are the words or phrases in other cases in the series. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of. Definition, examples of parallel structures in writing definition, examples of parallel structures in writing parallelism definition.
Parallel structure is when you use the same grammatical structure to show that ideas are related and have the same level of importance. Parallel structure academic assistance and tutoring centers. Each sentence below contains faulty parallelism with coordinate conjunctions. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words for two or more words or ideas in a sentence. Be sure to do the writing clear sentences quiz at the end of all the worksheets. In the incorrect version, two of the listed items are noun phrases and two are verb phrases. Parallel structure in sentences creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to demonstrate they are of equal importance. In the first example, a series of nouns are presented in parallel structure.
Click here to download a pdf of this lesson parallel structure also called parallelism is when two or more items for example, nouns or clauses are balanced within a sentence or between. The painting was marvelous, superb, and looked beautiful. May 7, 2019 parallel structure worksheets rewriting sentences parallel structure worksheets stay safe and healthy. Parallel structure or parallelism is the rule that words or phrases in a series. Parallel structure exercises penn state law university. Parallel structure to make the ideas in your sentences clear and understandable, you need to make your sentence structures grammatically balanced i. Your writing will be clearer if the ideas within each sentence are written in a similar way. The pattern created by the seriesit parallel structureemphasizes the similarities or differences among the items, which may be things, qualities, actions, or ideas.
Our brains are wired to look for patterns, so you can use parallel structure in your sentences to make your writing more memorable. Parallelism is defined as the balance between two or more similar words, phrases, or clauses. Which of the words or phrases in the following sentence use parallel structure. Parallel structures are phrases or clauses within sentences that repeat the same word forms nouns, verbs, adjectives, and the like in the same order to perform the same function. These three sentences are all dealing with the same topic, and can be combined using parallel structure. Parallel structure means each item in a list is the same structure.
Parallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as. Rewrite the sentences and fix nonparallel elements. Its a grammatical construction carrying two or more clauses, phrases or words, with a similar grammatical form and length. This worksheet was designed to help you better understand the importance of parallel structure.
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Parallel structure means using the same construction for sentence elements that are the same in function. It makes the sentence concise, clear, and easy to read. She likes neither to wash clothes nor cleaning the floor. Parallel structure in sentences creating parallel structure in a sentence is achieved when the writer balances similar grammatical elements such as words, phrases, and clauses to demonstrate they are. For this sentence the form of the words is present tense verb. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for. Write correct next to the one that employs correct parallel structure and write faulty next to the one that uses faulty parallel structure. Constructing sentences 5 constructing sentences checkup instructions there are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including runon sentences, sentence fragments, faulty parallel. In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure.
This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. How to fix problems with parallel sentence structure. In english grammar, parallel structure involves two or more words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in length and grammatical form. Parallel structure worksheet making the sentences parallel. The power of parallel structure pubmed central pmc.
When delores realized that her father had made lima beans and rice for dinner, she. Adjectivesing and ed infinitive clause for and its use gerund infinitive phrase infinitive in sentences look forward tobe used to past simple or past continuous doubleclick on. Parallel construction prevents awkwardness in the sentence, promotes clarity of the message, and improves writing style and readability. Revise each sentence so that the elements joined by the coordinate.
As an essential component of sentence construction, understanding what a parallel structure is and how it is applied is extremely important. I like to run infinitive, to swim infinitive, and to surf infinitive. This paper will address no child left behind, how to teach effectively, and instructing with multimedia. Correct any errors in parallel structure in the following sentences. Parallel structure is the placement of equal ideas in words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of similar types.
Pdf reading time for the second clause of a conjoined sentence was found to be faster when the clause was structurally similar to the first clause. Sentences with series, or lists, require particular attention to parallel construction. A sentence must contain a complete subject person, place, or thing and a verb what the subject is doing in order to make sense. Tips on how to revise sentences to form a parallel structure. A simple sentence must also begin with a capital letter and end with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark. Using parallel structure shows that the wordsideas have the same level of importance. Achieving parallel structure parallelism ensures that similar clauses or phrases are uniform in expression and. Definition parallel structure is the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of.
Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. Emilio walked across the street, down the alley, and through the back door of his apartment. Revise each sentence so that the elements joined by the coordinate conjunction are parallel to one another. We will miss having paige as a contributor to the grammar team. If parallel structure sounds confusing, no worries. Parallelism allows writers to emphasize and clearly articulate their meaning. In the following examples, note the difference between correct parallel structure and faulty parallelism. Parallel structure is a stylistic choice to make verbs in a sentence maintain a pattern. Parallel structure refers to same word pattern within a sentence by repeating a chosen grammatical form. Parallel structure click here to download a pdf of this lesson. Sentence parallel structure exercise 2 towson university. By using parallel structure, the writer indicates that all of the items in the list are of equal importance.
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