Which Sentence Uses Correct Parallel Structure

Mastering Parallel Structure: Identifying and Crafting Balanced Sentences

Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a fundamental element of effective writing. It involves using the same grammatical structure for similar items in a list, series, or comparison. This creates a sense of balance, clarity, and rhythm, making your writing more impactful and easier to understand. This comprehensive guide will delve into the principles of parallel structure, providing you with the tools to identify correctly structured sentences and craft your own parallel masterpieces. We'll examine various sentence structures and explore common pitfalls to avoid. Mastering parallel structure will significantly enhance your writing's precision and elegance.

Understanding Parallel Structure: The Basics

At its core, parallel structure means that items in a list or series should maintain consistent grammatical form. This consistency applies to phrases, clauses, or even single words. Consider these examples:

Correct: She enjoys reading, swimming, and hiking. (All gerunds)
Incorrect: She enjoys reading, to swim, and hiking. (Mixed gerunds and infinitives)

The incorrect example lacks parallel structure because it mixes gerunds (–ing words) and infinitives (to + verb). The corrected sentence maintains consistency, using only gerunds. The same principle applies to other grammatical structures like prepositional phrases, adjective clauses, or noun phrases.

Identifying Correct Parallel Structure: Examples and Analysis

Let's examine several sentence examples, identifying which ones use correct parallel structure and explaining why.

Example 1:

Sentence A: He is tall, handsome, and has a great sense of humor.
Sentence B: He is tall, handsome, and possesses a great sense of humor.

Analysis: Sentence A is incorrect. While "tall" and "handsome" are adjectives, "has a great sense of humor" is a verb phrase. Sentence B corrects this by using parallel verb phrases: "is tall," "is handsome," and "possesses a great sense of humor." All three phrases share the same grammatical structure (verb + complement).

Example 2:

Sentence A: The teacher explained the lesson clearly, patiently, and with enthusiasm.
Sentence B: The teacher explained the lesson clearly, patiently, and enthusiastically.

Analysis: Sentence A is incorrect. It mixes an adverb ("clearly," "patiently") and a prepositional phrase ("with enthusiasm"). Sentence B uses parallel adverbs, maintaining consistent grammatical structure.

Example 3:

Sentence A: She is not only intelligent but also kind.
Sentence B: She is not only intelligent but also she is kind.

Analysis: Sentence A is correct. The correlative conjunction "not only… but also" requires parallel structures. Sentence B is incorrect because it unnecessarily repeats the subject and verb, disrupting the parallelism.

Example 4:

Sentence A: The report was thorough, well-written, and provided valuable insights.
Sentence B: The report was thorough, well-written, and insightful.

Analysis: Sentence A is incorrect. It mixes adjectives ("thorough," "well-written") and a verb phrase ("provided valuable insights"). Sentence B corrects this by using only adjectives, maintaining consistent grammatical structure.

Example 5 (More Complex):

Sentence A: To succeed in this career, you need strong communication skills, to be a dedicated team player, and possessing excellent problem-solving abilities.
Sentence B: To succeed in this career, you need strong communication skills, dedication as a team player, and excellent problem-solving abilities.

Analysis: Sentence A is incorrect due to mixing noun phrases ("strong communication skills") and infinitive phrases ("to be a dedicated team player," "possessing excellent problem-solving abilities"). Sentence B uses parallel noun phrases, creating a balanced and coherent list.

Common Errors to Avoid in Parallel Structure

Several common errors often lead to faulty parallel structures. Recognizing these pitfalls will help you write more effectively.

Mixing different grammatical forms: This is the most common mistake, as illustrated in the examples above. Avoid mixing gerunds with infinitives, adjectives with adverbs, or noun phrases with verb phrases.
Incorrect use of correlative conjunctions: Correlative conjunctions like not only… but also, either… or, neither… nor, both… and require parallel structures. Ensure both parts of the conjunction connect grammatically similar elements.
Unintentional omission of words: Sometimes, words are accidentally left out, disrupting the parallelism. Carefully review your lists to ensure each item has all the necessary grammatical components.
Improper use of comparative and superlative structures: When making comparisons, maintain parallel structure in the comparative or superlative forms used.

Tips for Writing with Parallel Structure

Identify the core elements: Before writing, determine the grammatical form you'll use for your list or series (e.g., all gerunds, all noun phrases, etc.).
Maintain consistent tense and voice: If using verbs, keep the tense (past, present, future) and voice (active, passive) consistent throughout the list.
Use parallel structure with lists of three or more items: The principle of parallelism applies most strongly when you have three or more items in a series.
Read your sentences aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you detect awkwardness or inconsistencies in parallel structure. The rhythm of the sentence should sound even and balanced.

Parallel Structure in Different Sentence Types

Parallelism is not limited to simple lists. It can enhance the effectiveness of various sentence structures:

Compound sentences: When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet), ensure the clauses have parallel structure.
Complex sentences: Parallelism can enhance subordinate clauses within complex sentences. For instance, you might have multiple dependent clauses beginning with the same conjunction or preposition.
Comparative sentences: When using comparative structures (e.g., more… than, less… than, as… as), ensure the elements being compared have parallel structure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is parallel structure important in all writing?

A: While not crucial in every sentence, parallel structure significantly enhances clarity, readability, and impact, especially in formal writing and when presenting lists or comparisons. It’s a hallmark of polished and professional writing.

Q: What happens if I don't use parallel structure?

A: Failing to use parallel structure can lead to sentences that are confusing, awkward, and grammatically incorrect. It can disrupt the flow of your writing and make it difficult for the reader to understand your message.

Q: How can I improve my use of parallel structure?

A: Practice is key. Consciously look for opportunities to use parallel structure in your writing. Review your work carefully, paying attention to lists and comparisons. Use online grammar checkers as a supplemental tool to identify potential areas for improvement, but always double-check their suggestions against established grammatical principles.

Q: Are there situations where parallel structure might be deliberately avoided for stylistic effect?

A: Yes, occasionally writers might choose to break parallel structure for stylistic reasons, often for emphasis or to create a specific rhythmic effect. However, this should be done consciously and sparingly, as deviating from parallel structure can make the writing less clear and more difficult to process for the reader. It's important to understand the purpose and effect before intentionally breaking this rule.

Conclusion: The Power of Parallelism

Parallel structure is a powerful tool that elevates the quality of your writing. By understanding the principles of parallelism and practicing its application, you can create clear, concise, and impactful sentences that resonate with your readers. Mastering this skill will not only improve the grammatical correctness of your work but also enhance its overall effectiveness and elegance. Remember to always strive for consistency and balance in your sentences; it is a mark of a skilled and careful writer. Regular practice and attentive editing will turn you into a confident and competent user of parallel structure.