Which Sentence Uses Correct Parallel Structure?
Which sentence uses the correct parallel structure? Let’s find out. Without having options to choose from, it’s difficult to determine which sentence uses the correct parallel structure.
However, here are a few examples of sentences that use the correct parallel structure:
1. She likes hiking, running, and swimming.
2. The company’s goals are to increase sales, expand its customer base, and improve customer satisfaction.
3. I need to buy milk, bread, and eggs at the grocery store.
4. He enjoys reading books, watching movies, and listening to music.
In each of these sentences, the items in the list use the same grammatical form, which is a key aspect of parallel structure. This creates a sense of balance and clarity in the sentence.
What is Correct Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is the use of similar grammatical forms or structures in a sentence, paragraph, or larger piece of writing.
The purpose of using parallel structure is to create balance and clarity in the writing, making it easier for the reader to follow and understand.
Parallel structure can be used in a variety of ways, including with lists, comparisons, and phrases. Here are some examples of each:
Lists
When using a list of items in a sentence, it’s important to use the same grammatical form for each item. For example:
Incorrect: I like hiking, swimming, and to run.
Correct: I like hiking, swimming, and running.
In the incorrect example, “to run” does not use the same grammatical form as the other two items in the list. By changing it to “running,” the sentence now has parallel structure.
Comparisons
When making a comparison between two or more things, it’s important to use the same grammatical form for each part of the comparison. For example:
Incorrect: My car is faster, cheaper, and gets better gas mileage than my friend.
Correct: My car is faster, cheaper, and more fuel-efficient than my friend’s.
In the incorrect example, “gets better gas mileage” does not use the same grammatical form as the other two parts of the comparison. By changing it to “more fuel-efficient,” the sentence now has parallel structure.
Phrases
Parallel structure can also be used with phrases, such as verb phrases or prepositional phrases. For example:
Incorrect: She loves dancing, to sing, and going to the theater.
Correct: She loves dancing, singing, and going to the theater.
In the incorrect example, “to sing” and “going to the theater” do not use the same grammatical form as “dancing.” By changing them to “singing” and “going to the theater,” the sentence now has parallel structure.
Overall, parallel structure is important because it creates a sense of balance and clarity in writing. It helps the reader follow along and understand the writer’s intended meaning. Without parallel structure, sentences can become confusing or difficult to read, which can lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding.
When writing, it’s important to check for parallel structure and make any necessary adjustments. This can involve reviewing lists, comparisons, and phrases to ensure that each item uses the same grammatical form. By doing so, writers can improve the clarity and effectiveness of their writing.
How Do You Identify Parallelism in a Sentence?
Identifying parallelism in a sentence involves looking for similarities in grammatical structure between different parts of the sentence.
Here are some steps to follow:
Look for Lists
Check if there is a list of items in the sentence. These items should use the same grammatical form. For example, “I like hiking, swimming, and running.” Each item in the list uses the “-ing” form of a verb.
Check for Comparisons
Look for comparisons between two or more things. These parts of the comparison should use the same grammatical form. For example, “My car is faster, cheaper, and more fuel-efficient than my friend’s.” Each part of the comparison uses an adjective in the comparative form.
Look for Phrases
Check if there are phrases in the sentence that need to have parallel structure. These phrases can be verb phrases or prepositional phrases. For example, “She loves dancing, singing, and going to the theater.” Each phrase in this sentence starts with a gerund (-ing form of a verb).
Read the Sentence out Loud
Sometimes, it can be easier to identify parallel structure by reading the sentence out loud. This can help you hear if there is a balance and rhythm to the sentence that suggests parallelism.
Check for Conjunctions
Look for conjunctions, such as “and” or “or,” that connect different parts of the sentence. These parts should use the same grammatical form. For example, “She can either swim in the pool or run on the track.” Both options use the same verb form in the infinitive.
By following these steps, you can identify whether a sentence uses parallel structure or not. If you find that a sentence does not have parallel structure, you can revise it by changing the grammatical forms to create balance and clarity.
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September 3, 2023 at 3:51 am