Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas are similarly important. This can happen with words, phrases, or clauses. Parallel structures are often joined by coordinating conjunctions, like and, or and but.
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
- Neal likes reading, watching movies, and playing video games.
With infinitive phrases:
- Neal likes to read, to watch movies, and to play video games.
- Neal likes to read, watch movies, and play video games.
You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
- Not Parallel:
- Neal likes reading, watching movies, and to play video games.
- Parallel:
- Mary likes reading, watching movies, and playing video games.
Example 2
- Not Parallel:
- The student said that his teacher was not helpful because he didn’t correct exams quickly, didn’t explain grammar well, and his speaking was too fast.
- Parallel:
- The student said that his teacher was not helpful because he didn’t correct exams quickly, didn’t explain grammar well, and didn’t speak slowly enough for students to understand.
Example 3
- Not Parallel:
- The assistant had to complete her tasks quickly, efficiently and in a complete way.
- Parallel:
- The assistant had to complete her tasks quickly, efficiently and completely.
Clauses
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