Are Parallel: Understanding Parallel Structure in Grammar
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a fundamental grammatical principle that enhances clarity, readability, and the overall effectiveness of writing. It involves using the same grammatical structure for items in a series, list, or comparison. This consistency creates a sense of balance and rhythm, making your writing more impactful and easier to understand. Failing to maintain parallel structure, often referred to as faulty parallelism, can lead to confusion and weaken the impact of your message. This article will explore the concept of parallel structure, its importance, and how to correctly apply it in your writing.
I. Identifying Parallel Structures: The Basics
At its core, parallel structure means that items in a series or comparison should share the same grammatical form. This could mean using the same part of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.), the same verb tense, or the same type of phrase or clause. Consider this simple example:
Correct: She enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking. (All are gerunds)
Incorrect: She enjoys swimming, to hike, and biking. (Mixed gerunds and infinitives)
The incorrect example is jarring because the grammatical structures are inconsistent. The reader's eye and mind are momentarily thrown off by the shift from gerund to infinitive. Consistent grammatical form ensures a smooth, logical flow.
II. Types of Parallel Structures
Parallelism can be applied to various grammatical elements:
Nouns: He is known for his intelligence, kindness, and dedication. (All nouns)
Verbs: She sings, dances, and plays the piano. (All verbs in present tense)
Adjectives: The house is large, beautiful, and modern. (All adjectives)
Prepositional Phrases: The book was found on the table, under the chair, and in the drawer. (All prepositional phrases)
Clauses: He said that he would come, that he would stay, and that he would help. (All subordinate clauses)
It's crucial to maintain parallelism within each type. Mixing different grammatical forms within a single parallel structure is a common mistake to avoid.
III. Common Errors in Parallel Structure
Faulty parallelism often occurs when writers unintentionally shift grammatical forms mid-sentence or mid-list. Here are some typical errors:
Mixing verb tenses: I went to the store, bought milk, and will buy bread. (Inconsistent tenses – past, past, future)
Combining gerunds and infinitives: He likes reading books and to watch movies. (Mixed gerunds and infinitives)
Inconsistent prepositional phrases: The report covers the issues in detail, thoroughly, and with great precision. (First is a prepositional phrase; second and third are adverbs)
Uneven Comparisons: Apples are healthier than oranges, and bananas are sweet. (Uneven comparison – the second clause is not parallel to the first)
These errors disrupt the flow and clarity of writing, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended meaning.
IV. Correcting Faulty Parallelism
Correcting faulty parallelism involves identifying the inconsistent grammatical structures and rewriting them to maintain consistency. This often requires careful observation and a thorough understanding of grammatical parts of speech. Let's look at how to correct the examples above:
Correct Verb Tenses: I went to the store, bought milk, and bought bread. (Consistent past tense)
Consistent Gerunds/Infinitives: He likes reading books and watching movies. (Consistent gerunds)
Consistent Prepositional Phrases: The report covers the issues in detail, thoroughly, and with great precision. (Corrected by replacing the adverbs with prepositional phrases)
Even Comparisons: Apples are healthier than oranges and bananas are less sweet. (Corrected by adding comparison with bananas to the adjective sweet.)
By carefully adjusting the grammatical structure, the sentences become clearer, more concise, and more impactful.
V. The Importance of Parallel Structure
Maintaining parallel structure isn't just about adhering to grammatical rules; it significantly impacts the effectiveness of your writing. Parallel structures improve:
Clarity: Consistent grammatical forms make your writing easier to understand.
Readability: Parallelism enhances the flow and rhythm of your sentences, leading to a more pleasurable reading experience.
Emphasis: Parallel structures can emphasize important ideas by highlighting their similar grammatical forms.
Professionalism: Correct usage of parallelism demonstrates attention to detail and grammatical proficiency.
By mastering parallel structure, you elevate the quality and impact of your writing.
Summary
Parallel structure is a vital element of effective writing. By consistently applying the same grammatical structure to items within a series, list, or comparison, you enhance clarity, readability, and the overall impact of your message. Avoiding faulty parallelism, where grammatical structures are mixed, is essential for clear and professional communication. Paying attention to detail and understanding the various grammatical structures allows for the effective use of parallelism and contributes to polished and impactful writing.
FAQs
1. How do I identify parallel structures in a sentence? Look for lists, series, or comparisons. Check if each item in the series uses the same part of speech, verb tense, or phrase type.
2. What are the most common errors in parallelism? Mixing verb tenses, combining gerunds and infinitives, and using inconsistent prepositional phrases are frequent errors.
3. Can parallel structure be used in longer sentences? Yes, it's essential to maintain parallelism even in complex sentences with multiple clauses or phrases.
4. Is parallelism only important in formal writing? While it's crucial in formal writing, maintaining parallelism improves clarity and readability in all types of writing.
5. How can I improve my ability to use parallel structure? Practice identifying and correcting faulty parallelism in your own writing and the writing of others. Pay close attention to grammatical forms when writing lists and comparisons.
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