Show In English grammar, parallelism (also called parallel structure or parallel construction) is the repetition of the same grammatical form in two or more parts of a sentence.
Maintaining parallel structure helps you avoid grammatically incorrect sentences and improves your writing style. Although lack of parallelism is not always strictly incorrect, sentences with parallel structure are easier to read and add a sense of balance to your writing. Parallel construction is most commonly used in sentences containing elements that appear in a series or in a pair. It is also applied to headings and outlines in academic writing. Parallel structure in a seriesUse parallel construction when items in a series have an equal level of importance. These items are usually joined by commas or semicolons along with and or or. Parallel wordsOn the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with other adjectives, and so on.
When a series is composed of verbs, do not mix forms. For example, mixing an infinitive (a verb beginning with to) with a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing) breaks parallel structure.
Parallel phrasesParallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure. For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.
As with a series of verbs, a series of verb phrases should use parallel forms. Do not mix phrases based on an infinitive with phrases based on -ing verbs.
Parallel clausesParallelism is also applicable to a series of clauses in a sentence.
Lists after a colonA list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.
Parallel construction in pairsUse parallel construction when a sentence contains a pair of connected ideas. Pairs can be connected by coordinating conjunctions, which include and, nor, but, or and yet.
Use parallel structure when a pair of ideas are linked by a correlative conjunction, such as not only…but also, either…or, and neither…nor.
The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such as over, than or as.
Headings that divide a paper into sections should be parallel. Likewise, parallel structure should be applied to elements in paper outlines.
We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below. Sources
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