parallel structure

Parallel
Structure


Definition
using similar words to demonstrate
that two or more ideas have the
same level of importance.


Parallel Structure is
Important!
Your ideas come across more clearly
since they’re easier to read.


Correct Usage
Infinitive Phrases
Parallel way:
John likes to laugh, to run, and to eat.
OR
John likes to laugh, run, and eat.
You can use "to" right before all the verbs
in a sentence or just before the first verb.


Correct Usage
-ing Words
Parallel way:
John likes laughing, running, and
eating.

OR
Little ducks are always
quacking and following each
other.


Incorrect Usage
Not Parallel:
Paul likes laughing, running, and to eat.
OR
The store clerk rang up his customer
quickly and efficient.


More Examples
Incorrect

Correct

1. Jacob thought the cartoon
was unexciting, childish,
and was too long.

1. Jacob thought the cartoon
was unexciting, childish,
and too long.

2. Joe went to school, a
diner, and to the bank.

2. Joe went to school, to a
diner, and to the bank.

3. You think both singing and
to dance are important

3. You think both singing and
dancing are important.


Works Cited
• Clipart Pictures
•
/parallelism.html


Parallel Practice
Correct each sentence by making it parallel.

•
•
•
•
•

We were dirty, hungry, and without a penny.
My roommate liked to repair things around the
house and his own cooking.
During the day, we went on long hikes, rowed
around the lake, or just leisure time.

She returned to pay the rent and because she had
left some of her things.
Two things that I found hard to learn as a
freshman were to get enough sleep and trimming
expenses.


Quiz
1. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely
pleasant personality.
B. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
2. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically
and to appreciate good prose.
B. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically
and she appreciated good prose.


3. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of
proper parallel construction.
A. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph.
B. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph's.
4. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to
make good friends, and to learn about life.
B. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to

make good friends, and learning about life.


5. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor,
and a wise friend.
B. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor,
and friend.
6. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was
embarrassing.
B. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing.


7. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and he made it
conveniently arranged.
B. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and
conveniently arranged.
8. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A. Professor Ali rewarded his students for working hard
on the final project and going beyond the call of duty.
B. Professor Ali rewarded his students for their hard
work on the final project and going beyond the call of
duty.

9. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A.

There's nothing I like better than finding a good
trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple
of days fishing.

B.

There's nothing I like better than finding a good
trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple
of days fishing.


Quiz Answers
1. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and she has an extremely
pleasant personality.
B. Phuong Tran has wit, charm, and a pleasing personality.
2. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically
and to appreciate good prose.
B. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically
and she appreciated good prose.

3. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of
proper parallel construction.
A. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph.
B. Raoul's QPA is higher than Ralph's.
4. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to
make good friends, and to learn about life.
B. He wanted three things out of college: to learn a skill, to
make good friends, and learning about life.


5. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor,
and a wise friend.
B. Coach Espinoza was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor,
and friend.
6. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper parallel
construction.
A. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and we thought it was
embarrassing.
B. We found the film repulsive, offensive, and embarrassing.


7. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and he made it
conveniently arranged.
B. Mr. Nguyen kept his store clean, neat, and

conveniently arranged.
8. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A. Professor Ali rewarded his students for working hard
on the final project and going beyond the call of duty.
B. Professor Ali rewarded his students for their hard
work on the final project and going beyond the call of
duty.


9. Select the sentence that illustrates the use of proper
parallel construction.
A.

There's nothing I like better than finding a good
trout stream, setting up camp, and spending a couple
of days fishing.

B.

There's nothing I like better than finding a good
trout stream, setting up camp, and to spend a couple
of days fishing.