Faulty parallelism is one of the major grammatical sins in the English language. When you come across faulty parallelism, it clangs off the ear, destroys written sentences, and muddies any intention the author may have had. The previous sentence is an example of correct parallelism, but more on that below.
What’s a parallelism error?
A faulty parallelism (also sometimes called parallel structure error or a parallel construction error) occurs when the structure of a sentence is not grammatically parallel . This error occurs most often in sentences that contain lists.
Is parallelism part of grammar?
In grammar, parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is a balance within one or more sentences of similar phrases or clauses that have the same grammatical structure . The application of parallelism affects readability and may make texts easier to process.
What type of device is parallelism?
Parallelism is a rhetorical device that compounds words or phrases that have equivalent meanings so as to create a definite pattern. This structure is particularly effective when “specifying or enumerating pairs or series of like things”.
Is parallelism an error?
Sentence structure is parallel when a series of similar items all share the same grammatical structure—for example, all are nouns or verbs or phrases. Faulty parallelism occurs when items in a series do not have the same grammatical structure . ...
How do you fix a parallelism error?
Correct parallel structure allows for essays and paragraphs to flow more smoothly for the reader. To fix an error in parallel structure, the writer must put all the words or phrases in a series in the same form.
How do you correct parallelism in writing?
Repair faulty parallelism in comparisons by making one element of the comparison parallel to the other . Note that you may choose to change either element to match the other. Click on the link below to complete an exercise on parallel structure with elements in a comparison.
What is parallelism give 5 examples?
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. Not parallel. Parallel. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watching movies. I like to jog, bake, paint, and watch movies.
What does parallelism mean in grammar?
Conjoined items in a sentence must be in the same grammatical form. ... Parallelism is the matching of the forms of words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence . Editing your work for parallel construction improves clarity and emphasizes your points.
What is parallelism example?
Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) have the same grammatical structure. ... The following well-known adage is an example of parallelism: “ Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.
Why is it important to apply parallelism in your sentence?
Why is it important to use parallel structure? Lack of parallel structure can disrupt the rhythm of a sentence , leaving it grammatically unbalanced. Proper parallel structure helps to establish balance and flow in a well-constructed sentence; the alignment of related ideas supports readability and clarity.
How is a faulty parallelism fixed?
Often faulty parallelism can be repaired by paying close attention to where you place your verbs . The faulty parallelism in the following sentence is easy to detect once you place boxes around the two elements of the not only but also construction: ... Note that element a begins with a verb but element b doesn’t.
Which sentence has an error in parallel structure?
Explanation: Sentence A contains an error in parallel structure because the first two items in the predicate are adjectives (supportive, kind) while the third one is a verb modified by an infinitive phrase (tries to help people). B, C and D contain no errors in parallel structure.
Is parallelism the same as repetition?
Repetition is the reuse of words, phrases, ideas or themes in your speech. Parallelism—a related device—is the proximity of two or more phrases with identical or similar constructions , especially those expressing the same sentiment, but with slight modifications.
What are the rules of parallelism?
- Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.
- Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series.
- Use parallel structure with elements being compared. ( ...
- Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of being.
How do you identify parallelism?
A simple way to check for parallelism in your writing is to make sure you have paired nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases , and so on. Underline each element in a sentence and check that the corresponding element uses the same grammatical form.
