Parallel construction errors are not uncommon with scholastic writers.
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or.”
To achieve parallelism with words, you should always try to balance adjectives with adjectives, nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, and adverbs with adverbs.
Parallelism in relation to words, particularly when it is at least three words, often relates to items in a list or series, which will be joined by coordinating conjunctions (for, and, but, yet, so, or, nor) and correlative conjunctions (both/and; neither/nor).
Parallel Construction Basics:
Parallel ideas must be presented in parallel grammatical form, which means that each part of a sentence uses the same grammatical structure.
Examples of Parallel Construction
“Between” and “And”
Incorrect: We debated the difference between the weather in Minnesota in the winter and how hot it is in the summer.
Correct: We debated the difference between the weather in Minnesota in the winter and the weather in Minnesota in the summer.
“Both” and “And”
Incorrect: The films were enjoyable both to watch and for discussing.
Correct: The films were enjoyable both to watch and to discuss.
“Neither” and “Nor”; “Either” and “Or”
Incorrect: Neither the responses to the questionnaire nor what we asked on the survey were answered.
Correct: Neither the responses to the questionnaire nor the responses to the survey were answered.
“Not Only” and “But Also”
Incorrect: It was surprising not only that the house sold, but also it sold well over the asking price.
Correct: It was surprising not only that the house sold but also that it sold well over the asking price.
Parallel Construction in a List
Sentences with lists require particular attention to parallel construction.
Example 1:
Incorrect: This paper will address No Child Left Behind, how to teach effectively, and instructing with multimedia aids.
Correct: This paper will address No Child Left Behind benchmarks, effective teaching strategies, and multimedia instructional aids.
Now, the list has parallel elements (benchmarks, strategies, and aids are all plural nouns).
Example 2:
Incorrect: The students were unprepared, poorly behaved, and disrupted the class.
Correct: The students were underprepared, poorly behaved, and disruptive.
Now, the list has parallel elements (“underprepared,” “behaved,” and “disruptive” are all adjectives).
Parallel Construction Practices:
Parallel Construction Quiz #1