Parallelism (taken from Troyke and Hesse)
Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words: Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases: Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. Mary likes to hike,
swim, and ride a bicycle.
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Example 2
Not Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed
manner.
Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or
changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too
much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too
much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Lists after a colon.
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Example
Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations,
correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct
spellings, and irregular verbs
Proofreading Strategies:
Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each side of these words to see
whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of
sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm
being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to
be made parallel.