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Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is a grammar and writing principle that requires elements in a sentence to follow the same grammatical form. When you list items, make comparisons, or join clauses with coordinating conjunctions, each element should have a matching structure. Parallel structure makes sentences clearer, more balanced, and more elegant. It is a hallmark of polished writing and effective speaking, and mastering it will significantly improve the quality of your English communication.
Table of Contents
What Is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words, phrases, or clauses to show that two or more ideas have equal importance. When elements are parallel, they share the same grammatical form: noun with noun, verb with verb, phrase with phrase, clause with clause.
Not parallel: She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride horses.
Parallel: She likes hiking, swimming, and riding horses.
Not parallel: The job requires experience, dedication, and being creative.
Parallel: The job requires experience, dedication, and creativity.
Why Is Parallelism Important?
Parallel structure serves several important purposes in writing and speech:
- Clarity: Parallel sentences are easier to read and understand because the reader can predict the pattern.
- Balance: Parallelism creates a sense of symmetry and order that makes writing feel polished.
- Rhythm: Balanced structures create a natural, pleasing rhythm in both written and spoken English.
- Emphasis: Repeating a grammatical pattern draws attention to the ideas being expressed.
- Professionalism: Correct parallelism is expected in academic, business, and professional writing.
Parallelism in Lists and Series
When listing items in a series, all items should have the same grammatical form.
Nouns
❌ The recipe calls for flour, sugar, and adding butter.
✅ The recipe calls for flour, sugar, and butter.
Adjectives
❌ The house is big, beautiful, and costs a lot.
✅ The house is big, beautiful, and expensive.
Verbs
❌ Every morning, she runs, stretches, and is eating breakfast.
✅ Every morning, she runs, stretches, and eats breakfast.
Phrases
❌ He enjoys reading books, playing chess, and to go hiking.
✅ He enjoys reading books, playing chess, and going hiking.
Parallelism with Coordinating Conjunctions
When connecting elements with and, but, or, nor, yet, so, the elements on each side should be parallel.
❌ She is intelligent and has beauty.
✅ She is intelligent and beautiful. (adjective + adjective)
❌ You can submit the form online or by mailing it.
✅ You can submit the form online or by mail.
Parallelism with Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions come in pairs: both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, whether...or. The element after the first conjunction must be parallel to the element after the second.
❌ She is both intelligent and has a good sense of humor.
✅ She is both intelligent and humorous.
❌ He neither studies nor is working.
✅ He neither studies nor works.
❌ The program not only saves time but also is reducing costs.
✅ The program not only saves time but also reduces costs.
❌ I don't know whether to go or staying home.
✅ I don't know whether to go or to stay home.
Tip: Place the correlative conjunction immediately before the parallel element. Whatever grammatical form follows the first conjunction must follow the second.
Parallelism in Comparisons
When making comparisons with than or as, the compared elements must be parallel.
❌ Swimming is more enjoyable than to run.
✅ Swimming is more enjoyable than running.
❌ It is better to ask than assuming.
✅ It is better to ask than to assume.
❌ Working at home is as productive as to work in an office.
✅ Working at home is as productive as working in an office.
Parallelism with Infinitives and Gerunds
When listing actions, choose either all infinitives or all gerunds. Do not mix them.
❌ My goals are to travel the world, learning new languages, and to make a difference.
✅ My goals are to travel the world, to learn new languages, and to make a difference. (all infinitives)
✅ My goals are traveling the world, learning new languages, and making a difference. (all gerunds)
Parallel Clauses
When joining clauses, maintain parallel structure in their form.
❌ The coach told the players that they should practice daily, that they must eat well, and getting enough sleep.
✅ The coach told the players that they should practice daily, that they must eat well, and that they need enough sleep.
❌ What you say and your actions should match.
✅ What you say and what you do should match.
Famous Examples of Parallelism
Some of the most memorable sentences in history use parallel structure for rhetorical power:
"I came, I saw, I conquered." — Julius Caesar
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people." — Abraham Lincoln
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." — John F. Kennedy
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." — Neil Armstrong
"To err is human; to forgive, divine." — Alexander Pope
These examples demonstrate how parallelism creates rhythm, balance, and memorability. The consistent structure makes each idea resonate more powerfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Mixing Grammatical Forms in Lists
❌ The job involves writing reports, analyzing data, and to present findings.
✅ The job involves writing reports, analyzing data, and presenting findings.
Mistake 2: Faulty Parallelism with Correlative Conjunctions
❌ She not only speaks French but also is speaking German.
✅ She speaks not only French but also German.
Mistake 3: Inconsistent Verb Forms
❌ The teacher asked us to read the chapter, answer the questions, and writing a summary.
✅ The teacher asked us to read the chapter, answer the questions, and write a summary.
Mistake 4: Non-Parallel Comparisons
❌ Cycling to work is healthier than if you drive.
✅ Cycling to work is healthier than driving.
Practice Exercises
Correct the parallelism errors in each sentence.
1. She enjoys reading, to swim, and hiking.
Answer: She enjoys reading, swimming, and hiking.
2. The new policy is fair, effective, and will save money.
Answer: The new policy is fair, effective, and economical.
3. He not only plays guitar but also is singing.
Answer: He not only plays guitar but also sings.
4. Running is better exercise than to walk.
Answer: Running is better exercise than walking.
5. The teacher told us to study hard, being focused, and pass the exam.
Answer: The teacher told us to study hard, stay focused, and pass the exam.
6. She is talented, ambitious, and has dedication.
Answer: She is talented, ambitious, and dedicated.
7. My priorities are to finish school, getting a job, and to travel.
Answer: My priorities are to finish school, get a job, and travel. OR: My priorities are finishing school, getting a job, and traveling.
8. The recipe is either too complicated or it doesn't have enough flavor.
Answer: The recipe is either too complicated or too bland.
Parallel structure is one of the most impactful writing principles you can master. It transforms awkward, unbalanced sentences into clear, elegant, and powerful ones. By consistently matching grammatical forms in lists, comparisons, and conjunctions, you will write with greater clarity, rhythm, and professionalism. Make parallelism a conscious part of your editing process, and your writing will improve dramatically.
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