Parallel structure is an important concept to consider while writing. As the name indicates, the parallel structure should be parallel. In other words, when we write some clauses in a sentence, we should make sure that both the clauses are in same form and function.
Things to be noted:
Lists
The same form has to be maintained – gerund, gerund... or noun, noun, ... or infinitive, infinitive...., clause, clause.. etc.
For example, “I like to watch television and to play cricket” but not “ I like to watch television and playing cricket”
“The benefits of learning the English language include better understanding of newspapers and articles, it helps to strengthen command in the language, and it increases communication skills.”
This sentence does make sense but it is grammatically incorrect. It doesn’t obey the parallel structure principle. The modified and correct sentence is,
“The benefits of learning the English language include better understanding, stronger command, and increased communication skills.”
Here, better, stronger, increased are adjectives acting as comparatives. Thus, the reader can easily understand it.
A bit more complex example, all students are advised to bring a camera and a tripod, and to be on time at the airport.
Here, if you observe clearly, there are two lists.
- Advised to bring ....,and to be on time......
- To bring a camera and a tripod
Note : An article and a preposition can be carried forward and does not necessary to write them again and again.
For example: “whether you come by car, by train, or by flight, make sure that you have to come by 9 o’clock. “
“Whether you come by car, train, or flight, make sure that you have to come by 9 o’clock”
Thus, they are parallel in their own form.
Parallel with clauses,
For example : While reading the newspaper, one should consider that how they wrote the news, and how they collected the data.
Comparisons
The same rule applies here, if you start with a noun, make sure that you continue until the end.
For example : “I’d love to write than to speak.”
“I think reading is as good as speaking.”
“James’ movies are fascinating than Liz” here the mistake is in Liz. It has to be Liz’s.
“James’ movies are fascinating than Liz’s.”
“Practising writing is as important as speaking confidently. “
“Some parents would argue that teaching their children an advanced subject is better than allowing them to choose some random topic.”
Teaching, allowing shows parallel structure.
Conjunctions
The conjunction like “and, but, or” forms a parallel structure.
“Some of my friends are from Australia, but most of them are from Canada.”
I am an English language learner by passion (English is my second language). I thought sharing different concepts will help others who is an ESL student (English as a Second Language). Please let me know if you have any suggestions. #africa