STRUCTURE AND WRITTEN
EXPRESSION
LESSON : PARALLEL STRUCTURE
WHAT IS PARALLEL STRUCTURE?
Parallel structure or parallelism is the rule that words or phrases
in a series should be in the same from.
Katniss likes to run, hunt, and hike.
To fix an error in parallel structure, the writer must put all the
words or phrases in a series in the same form. Here are some
examples of errors in parallel structure and how these errors
can be fixed.
COMMON ERRORS
Incorrect: Marisa stopped at the grocery store, the bank, and ran to the library
Correct: Marissa stopped at the grocery store, the bank, and the library.
Incorrect: This weekend I have to write an essay, do a book report, and a lab.
Correct: This weekend I have to write an essay, do a book report, and complete a lab.
Incorrect: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor will it be easy.
Correct: Attaining a college degree is neither cheap nor easy.
HOW TO IDENTIFY IF A SENTENCE
CONSITUTES A SERIES?
1. Series exist in sentences that use coordinating conjunctions, the acronym
FANBOYS.
We need to buy peaches, strawberries, and melons from the farmer’s market
Sally’s cat is fat, but he is feisty.
I don’t know where he went, or when he will be back.
I will not go to the store nor will I make you a pie.
2. PARALLELISM WITH CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS.
Parallel structure must take place in sentence with correlative conjunctions. Correlative
conjunctions are like coordinating conjunctions because they link words, phrases and
clauses in a series. However, correlative conjunctions consist of two words paired
together. Some common correlative conjunctions are: not only… but also,
neither/either… or, whether… or, as many as.
Not only was she tired, but she was also sick to her stomach.
Neither snow nor rain can keep me from you.
I do not know whether the recipe calls for baking soda or baking powder.
3. PARALLELISM WITH COMPARISONS
When making comparisons, a sentence must be parallel. Here are some examples of
sentences with comparisons that have correct parallel structure.
I would rather take the train than take the bus.
Sam’s car is faster than Alex’s car.
Strawberries are just as tasty as blueberries.
The Harry Potter series is just as good as The Hunger Games series.
PRACTICE: PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES FOR ERRORS IN PARALLEL STRUCTURE.
CORRECT THE SENTENCE BY REWRITING IT. NOT ALL SENTENCES ARE INCORRECT. ANSWERS MAY
VARY.
1. My dog is not only friendly but he is also playful.
2. We can go to the park or out dancing.
3. Jeremy likes to read historical, realistic and speculative fiction.
4. Tell Michael I said he can either do homework now or later.
5. Buying a car is not a decision to take lightly nor be careless about.
6. Tyler is for the legalization not criminalization of marijuana.
7. Sally needs a new stove, dishwasher and knives for her kitchen.
8. My first grade teacher taught me how to write, how to read and play tic-tac-toe.
9. She will not admit it nor will she be apologizing.
10. The whole wheat pasta is better than enriched wheat pasta.
TOEFL PRACTICE
BOOK PAGE 159.
EXERCISE 27
