Parallel Structure - QuillTools

What's compound sentence?

If you use words or clauses in a pattern within the same sentence, you have a parallel structure like in this example:

Everyday I wake up at 07:00 am, eat lunch at 01:00 pm and have dinner at 09:00 pm.

The verbs in bold are used in the same way. This is called parallel structure in a a list.

There are several types of parallel structure and we will go over them through this article in the best way possible for you to learn them as you read. 

Parallel structure is generally used with a compound sentence can make writing very powerful and can add rhythm to it. If parallel structure sentences used the right way, they make any type of writing more entertaining and impactful. If not used in a good way, they can create an awkward feeling for the reader. But take it easy, we will go through all the examples of parallel structure that you need.

What are the rules for parallel structure?

The rules for parallel structure are simple: You keep the same pattern in your parallel words. Here is an example of a correct parallel structure:

John is happy, ambitious and brave.

The parallel words in this example are the adjective in bold. Let us now break the structure of our parallel structure sentence:

John is happy, ambitious and full of courage.

We didn't use an adjective this and this is what broke our parallel structure pattern.

You can think of parallel structure as recipient that is filled every time you hit the right pattern. When you fill that it has been a loss of energy in the sentence, at that time you know that the parallel structure pattern has been broken.

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How to use parallel structure with infinitive form?

You can use the (to) preposition before two or more infinitive verbs to make parallel structure with infinitive like in this example:

I always liked to read books, to write poems and to analyse text.

This is an easy variation to use in your writing or your during your speech. You can start using it from now with all the verbs that you are employing.

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You can also check our free version of Sentence Counter.

Check also our Comma Splice page.

It is very easy to improve your language if you start by using the easiest parallel structures like this one.

Now let's check another parallel structure that is as easy as infinite parallel structure.

How to use parallel structure with (...ing)?

Use commas separated words with the (ing) termination in the same sentence. Here is an example:

I love running, hiking and fishing.

I am the first one coming and the last one leaving.

You may have been using this variation of parallel structure without you knowing about that. But now that you know, you can use it in a better way as you know how it is constructed.

How to use parallel structure in verb tense?

You can use two or more verbs in a commas separated list like in this example:

I've been committed to the job, dedicated to my team and engaged to our brand.

Parallel structure with verb tense can be used less than the other because it need at least two verbs to be done. This is a great opportunity to learn more verbs to use them in ideas with equal importance and make a perfect parallel structure parallelism.

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How to use coordinating conjunctions in parallel structure?

You can use coordinating conjunctions in parallel structure (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) between two words or two clauses. Here's an example: 

I don't buy from unknown websites and untrusted markets.

We used a parallel structure with two clauses separated by a coordinating conjunction. 

If you can't remember all coordinating conjunctions, you can refer to them as FANBOYS which are the initials of everyone of them.

Let's see another example:

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I will not stay at this town, nor will eat this food.

The parallel structure is created by using the verb in bold and the coordinating conjunction (nor). Let's now break the pattern from the same sentence:

I will not stay at this town, nor eat this food.

The parallel structure is broken by not using "will" in the second clause.

How to use parallel structure with correlative conjunctions?

Use the first word or clause after the first correlative conjunction and the second word or clause after the second correlative conjunction like in this example:

Either stand-up or sit-down.

Correlative conjunctions are perfect to use with parallel structure because they have a lot of similarities. Correlative conjunctions also link between clauses or word with equal importance but to have a parallel structure, you need to have the same pattern.

Here is another example using the correlative conjunction "Rather ... than":

Rather than buy a second hand diesel car, buy a new electrical car.

Let us now break the parallel structure without altering the meaning:

Rather than buy a second hand diesel car, maybe it is better to purchase an electrical one.

There is no parallelism in this sentence, you can see how parallel structure make sentences more interesting.

What revision should be made to maintain parallel structure?

Here the steps to make a good revision and maintain your parallel structure:

1. Determine where are parallel structure sentences
2. Check which parallel structure variation has been used
3. Examine your parallel structure parallelism using our guide
4. Edit your sentences to correct your form of parallel structure

It may sound a little bit difficult to revise parallel structure in your writing, but you wont have to do it forever. By exercising you will progress and will be making correct parallel structure every time.

You can start using our online during your writing.

Explore our Compound Sentence page.

Check also our Comma Splice page.