Parallelism Part I

Parallelism helps to improve the rhythm of your sentences. If you can master parallelism, it will give your sentences a mature, sophisticated feeling. Parallel sentences are written by using two similar grammatical structures.

Nouns

Not parallel: The new plan has value and is appealing. (noun + adjective)
Parallel: The new plan has value and appeal. (noun + noun)

Adjectives

Not parallel: My dog is small but snarls a lot. (adjective + verb phrase)
Parallel: My dog is small but ferocious. (adjective + adjective)

Verb Phrases

Not parallel: Kathy watered my plants and feeding my dog. (verb phrase + gerund)
Parallel: Kathy watered my plants and fed my dog. (verb phrase + verb phrase)

Adverbs

Not parallel: Giraffes walk slowly yet with grace. (adverb + noun)
Parallel: Giraffes walk slowly yet gracefully. (adverb + adverb)

Prepositional Phrases

Not parallel: My keys are either in the drawer or the table. (prepositional phrase + noun)
Parallel: My keys are either in the drawer or on the table. (prepositional phrase + prepositional phrase)

I. Parallelism Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Structures joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, etc.) must have the same grammatical structure.

Expand the following sentences into sentences with parallel structures using the coordinating conjunctions in parenthesis.

Example: Kyoto has many beautiful temples. (and)

Kyoto has many beautiful temples and shrines.

  1. My computer class is interesting. (but)
  2. During the winter holiday, I'll go to Tokyo. (or)
  3. Takeshi hasn't come to class. (and)
  4. Selina was born in Mexico. (yet)
  5. When I was in high school, I used to play soccer. (and)

Top

II. Sentence Combining -- Coordinating Conjunctions

Combine the following sentences using a coordinating conjunction. You may omit words.

Example: I like burdock root. I don't like nattou.

I like burdock root, but I don't like nattou.

1. I've taken computer programming and political science.

I haven't taken sociology.

2. I can't wait to go to Switzerland.

I can't wait to eat the delicious chocolate.

3. My brother would enjoy a career in art.

My brother would also enjoy a career in design.

4. In 1980 I graduated from university.

In 1980 I went to Zambia.

In 1980 I started teaching.

5. I enjoyed my trip to Canada.

I was glad to be back home.

Here are two practice quizzes on parallelism from Captial Community College:

Quiz I

Quiz 2