Parallel Structure
Parallel structure (also called parallelism) means using the same pattern of words to show that
two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This means that there should be balance
in the elements used in the sentence, otherwise, it may sound unnatural or confusing to the
listener or reader.
VERBAL
In traditional grammar, a verbal is a word derived from a verb that functions in a sentence as a
noun or modifier rather than as a verb.
The three verbals — gerunds, infinitives, and participles — are formed from verbs but are never
used alone as action words in sentences. Instead, verbals function as nouns, adjectives, or
adverbs. These verbals are important in phrases.
GERUND
The gerund ends in -ing and functions as a noun.
Jumping is fun. (subject)
He liked skiing. (direct object of the verb liked)
He had a unique way of whistling. (object of the preposition)
Here are 5 examples of gerunds (verbs used as nouns by adding -ing):
1. Swimming is my favorite hobby.
2. She enjoys reading novels in her free time.
3. Running every morning helps keep me healthy.
4. They talked about traveling to Europe next summer.
5. Painting can be both relaxing and rewarding.
INFINITIVE
The infinitive is the base form of a verb with "to."
Usually, it functions as a noun, although it can also function as an adjective or adverb.
To jump is fun. (noun; subject of the verb is)
I like to ski. (noun; direct object of the verb like)
She had a suggestion to offer. (adjective modifying suggestion)
PARTICIPLE
A participle is a verb that ends in -ing (present participle) or -ed, -d, -t, -en, -n (past participle).
Participles may function as adjectives, describing or modifying nouns.
The talking parrots entertained the crowd.
The wrecked sailboat washed up on shore.
REMEMBER!
To ensure parallelism in your sentences, make sure you are not mixing gerunds, infinitives, and
participles in one sentence.
Example:
Original Sentence:
I love drawing, to sing, and watched movies.
Revised Sentences:
1. I love drawing, singing, and watching movies. (all gerunds)
2. I love to draw, to sing, and to watch movies. (all infinitives)
3. I drew, sang, and watched movies. (simple past tense)
REMEMBER:
Sentences or clauses with mixed verb forms will sound unnatural and unbalanced. You want to
make sure you use the same format in your sentences for clarity.
Examples:
1. Incorrect: He likes playing basketball and to watch television.
Correct:
o He likes playing basketball and watching television.
o He likes to play basketball and to watch television.
2. Incorrect: She likes reading, playing board games, and to sing.
Correct:
o She likes reading, playing board games, and singing.
o She likes to read, to play board games, and to sing.
Summary of Key Concepts: Parallel Structure and Verbals
Parallel Structure
Parallel structure (or parallelism) involves using the same grammatical form for words or ideas
that are part of a list or comparison. This balance ensures sentences are clear and natural to the
reader or listener.
Verbals
Verbals are words derived from verbs but do not function as action words in a sentence.
Instead, they serve as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
The three types of verbals are:
1. Gerunds
o Ends in -ing and functions as a noun.
o Examples:
Jumping is fun. (subject)
He liked skiing. (direct object)
He had a unique way of whistling. (object of the preposition)
2. Infinitives
o Base form of a verb preceded by "to."
o Functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
o Examples:
To jump is fun. (noun; subject)
I like to ski. (noun; direct object)
She had a suggestion to offer. (adjective modifying suggestion)
3. Participles
o Ends in -ing (present participle) or -ed, -d, -t, -en, -n (past participle).
o Functions as adjectives to describe nouns.
o Examples:
The talking parrots entertained the crowd. (present participle)
The wrecked sailboat washed up on shore. (past participle)
Tips to Ensure Parallelism
1. Avoid mixing gerunds, infinitives, and participles within a list or comparison.
2. Ensure all elements in a sentence follow the same structure for clarity and natural flow.
Examples
Correcting Mixed Verb Forms
Original Sentence:
I love drawing, to sing, and watched movies.
Revised Sentences:
1. I love drawing, singing, and watching movies. (all gerunds)
2. I love to draw, to sing, and to watch movies. (all infinitives)
3. I drew, sang, and watched movies. (all past tense verbs)
Balanced and Unbalanced Sentences
Example 1:
Incorrect: He likes playing basketball and to watch television.
Correct:
o He likes playing basketball and watching television.
o He likes to play basketball and to watch television.
Example 2:
Incorrect: She likes reading, playing board games, and to sing.
Correct:
o She likes reading, playing board games, and singing.
o She likes to read, to play board games, and to sing.
Would you like activities or test questions based on this summary?
