Parallel structure notes parallel structure what is it. The county explained when the cleanup would begin and how it would be funded. Grammar handbook personal pronoun, it has now become an acceptable and genderneutral way to refer to someone. When listing words in a series, use consistent parts of speech. Parallelism in grammar is defined as two or more phrases or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical structure. The pattern created by the seriesit parallel structureemphasizes the similarities or differences among the items, which may be things, qualities, actions, or ideas. Parallel structure with coordinating conjunctionsrfdc. Choose the sentence that has no errors in structure. Finally, in sentence c2, we see both nouns in the singular with the used to label the nouns and broad categories. Oct 05, 2016 parallel structure in english refers to the use of similar grammar constructions within a sentence or clause. Jan, 2018 in english grammar, a series is a list of three or more items words, phrases, or clauses, usually arranged in parallel form. Parallel structure to make the ideas in your sentences clear and understandable, you need to make your sentence structures grammatically balanced i.
This worksheet was designed to help you better understand the importance of parallel structure. The english teacher looking for tools, the student looking for some extra help, or the new english speaker hoping to master the language will find what he or she is looking for here. Whether for guided instruction or independent practice, your students will get the reinforcement they need. This lesson will explain what parallel structure is and present examples of it. Well, grammatical parallel structure is sort of like that. As you work on the overall style or flow of your writing, consider using parallelism to strengthen the relationship among sentences. Single words, multiword phrases and clauses can be made parallel by ensuring each item is equal. In english grammar, a series is a list of three or more items words, phrases, or clauses, usually arranged in parallel form. In parallel structure, sentences have a series of phrases or clauses, which start and end in almost a similar fashion, by. Examples of parallel structure include multiple gerunds or ing verbals that function as nouns, past participles, infinitive phrases to be and complete clauses that include a subject and predicate.
The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process. Help your young writers improve the clarity of their sentences by showing them how to create parallel structures as they construct sentences. Recognizing proper parallel structure read each pair of sentences. You should never use a parallel structure if it does not serve a purpose. July 24, 2009 this week we have a new guest writer, rob reinalda, who is going to help us look at something called a false series. Using parallel structure makes it easier for readers to understand writing. Combinations and patterns of words should all agree with the subject. Words, phrases and clauses should all be parallel when linked together in a series or connected with coordinating conjunctions. Parallel structure worksheet is suitable for 6th 8th grade. But examples of good and bad parallel structure can be surprisingly obvious. Kevin raced toward the sideline, down the field, and ended up in the end zone.
In parallel story structure two story lines run side by side within the text by means of alternating page spreads andor alternating texts. What sets this great book apart is the 40 pages of quizzes. Parallel structure examples and definition of parallel. Lester kaufman and tom stern from the blue book of grammar and punctuation explain how sentences can be grammatically correct but still. Foreword by mignon fogarty grammar girl xvii introduction xix 1grammar 1 finding subjects and verbs 1 finding verbs using verbs to. Jul 24, 2009 get grammar girl s take on how to use parallel construction correctly. Its the third fantastic book from english banana and the aim this time is to practise grammar, grammar and, er, more grammar.
Problems with parallel structure are common in student writing. Give your students practice on these important concepts with the parallel structure grammar activity. Parallel structure in a sentence should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as. The reader gets into your writing flow, is expecting a pattern, and then all of a sudden the structure or pattern changes. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. Parallel structure also called parallelism is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence. Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407 8676420 parallel structure parallel structure adds both clout and clarity to your writing. Parallel structure grammar activity 612 download sadlier. Parallel structure in english refers to the use of similar grammar constructions within a sentence or clause.
A baseball pitcher must work constantly on their pitch. Parallel structure is a stylistic device, and a grammatical construction having two or more clauses, phrases or words, with similar grammatical form and length. Parallel structure should be used when elements are joined by coordinating conjunctions. Parallel structure basically means that when youre making some kind of list in a sentence, if youre using a series of verbs or if youre using a series of nouns, any series of words, they should all roughly line up. In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure. Write correct next to the one that employs correct parallel structure and write faulty next to the one that uses faulty parallel structure. Feb 01, 2016 learn how to make sure your writing uses parallel structure, or parallelism. The items in a series are usually separated by commas or semicolons if the items themselves contain commas. Parallel structure is a fairly advanced grammar concept. Parallel structure means using the same construction for sentence elements that are the same in function. I had a college professor who once marked my paper down for describing a military conflict as difficult, intense, and ferocious. You may not know the rest of the opening lines by heart, but read them below to see how dickens continued the patternthe parallel sentence structureto draw in his readers. This means that ideas in a sentence or paragraph that are similar should be expressed in. Parallel sentences structure and examples examples.
Learn what parallel construction is and whether you are doing it right. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as and or or. Below are three rules to consider when checking for parallel structure in your. It will also provide you with direction on how to use this. Neither nor mistakes this rule of parallel construction applies to all the correlative conjunctions. Its easiest to explain, i think, with that old sesame street song. You may not be writing a novel or writing a speech to rouse an entire. Parallel structure parallel structure is a tool to create a series of words, phrases, clauses, or sentences with the same grammatical form. How to use parallel structure how to use parallel construction correctly episode 180. Parallel structure is an important element of proper writing.
In sentence 2 of pair b, took and went also show parallel structure. Make each item in the list a prepositional phrase that modifies raced. More precisely, in grammar, its less about meeting and more about balance. This means that ideas in a sentence or paragraph that are similar should be expressed in parallel grammatical form e. Words and phrases should not only match in structure, but also in tense. Apr 26, 20 in parallel story structure two story lines run side by side within the text by means of alternating page spreads andor alternating texts.
How to use parallel construction correctly grammar girl. Purdues owl has a great primer for parallel structure including some proofreading tips. Parallel structure can add more than clarity to languageit can also add emphasis and rhythm. After all, most communication takes place in reports, emails, and instant messages. Pdf reading time for the second clause of a conjoined sentence was found to be faster when the clause was structurally. Writers use parallel structures to communicate ideas that have the same importance using the same grammatical structure.
Its simply the practice of using the same structures or forms multiple times. One of the more common grammar elements my students struggle with is parallel structure also referred to as parallelism. Apr 24, 2015 mignon fogarty is the founder of quick and dirty tips and the author of seven books on language, including the new york times bestseller grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing. Faulty parallelism occurs when writers do not use a parallel structure to communicate a series of ideas. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. Parallel structure basically means that when youre making some kind of list in a sentence, if youre using a series of verbs or if youre using a series of nouns, any series of words, they should all roughly line up with one another. The woman is wearing her hat and the woman is holding her coat.
Choose the option that maintains parallel structure in the sentence. Grammar books and style guides do not agree on whether that comma is required. When it comes to forming a sentence there are some things that one should put in mind to get the desired response. Parallel structure grammar newsletter english grammar.
Created by the evergreen writing center library 3407. Two exercises give kids practice identifying the correct parallel structure and crafting parallel structures in sentences. English s big grammar book introduction hello there. The parallel structure picture books i read shared some, or all, of the following characteristics. Understanding parallel structure in english can help your toefl score. Parallel structure examples parallel structure, or parallelism, means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more words or ideas are of equal importance. Below are three rules to consider when checking for parallel structure in. The county explained that the cleanup would begin in june and that it would be funded by a referendum.
Parallel structure requires items in a list to be parallel in tense and form. Below are three rules to consider when checking for parallel structure in your writing. Check your answers with the interactive version of the exercise. Tips on how to revise sentences to form a parallel structure. Make sure the structure joined with the first word mirrors the structure joined with the second word. Unlike true parallel lines, however, the story lines in these books always intersect at some point. Barking dogs, kittens that were meowing, and squawking parakeets greet the pet. View notes parallel structure notes from language academic e at central bucks high school south. Thanks again to lester and tom, who recently released a new edition of the blue book of grammar and punctuation.
Parallel structure is less a consideration of grammar, its really more about style, right. While technically correct, he pointed out that i used three words that meant the same thing. Mignon fogarty is the founder of quick and dirty tips and the author of seven books on language, including the new york times bestseller grammar girl s quick and dirty tips for better writing. Sometimes grammar books throw around a lot of fancy terms, but in reality. Download grammar ebooks its now more important than ever to develop a powerful writing style. When you use parallel structure, you increase the readability of your writing by creating word patterns readers can follow easily. Parallel structure can be applied to a single sentence, a paragraph, or even multiple paragraphs. May, 2012 one of the more common grammar elements my students struggle with is parallel structure also referred to as parallelism. In a nutshell, whenever you create a list, the elements being listed must share identical grammatical components. The university of toronto has put together a pdf on faulty parallelism. Grammargrounds grammar education is a free, comprehensive site with instruction, videos, quizzes, and more.
Parallel structure usc dana and david dornsife college of. Apr 25, 2019 when it comes to forming a sentence there are some things that one should put in mind to get the desired response. Learn how to make sure your writing uses parallel structure, or parallelism. Get grammar girl s take on how to use parallel construction correctly.
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