Greetings! If you are looking to improve your understanding and usage of parallel structure, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express this concept, both formally and informally. So, let’s dive in!
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What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a linguistic technique where parts of a sentence or multiple sentences share the same grammatical structure. This technique enhances writing style, readability, and overall coherence in your sentences. By employing parallel structure, you can express ideas in a balanced and elegant manner.
Parallel structure applies to various aspects of language, including verb tenses, verb forms, sentence structures, verb phrases, and even entire paragraphs. To help you understand this better, let’s explore a few examples of parallel structure in action:
Example 1:
Incorrect: She likes hiking, to swim, and cooking.
Correct: She likes hiking, swimming, and cooking.
The correct example demonstrates parallel structure by utilizing the -ing form for each activity mentioned. By maintaining consistency, the sentence becomes more harmonious.
Example 2:
Incorrect: She not only studies hard but also to work diligently.
Correct: She not only studies hard but also works diligently.
Parallel structure is essential in this example as it ensures consistency in verb forms. By making both parts of the sentence parallel, it becomes clearer and more effective.
Formal Ways to Express Parallel Structure
In formal settings, such as academic or professional writing, it is crucial to employ parallel structure accurately. Doing so shows a strong command of language and helps convey your message clearly. Below are some tips and examples of how to express parallel structure formally:
1. Consistent Verb Tenses
When constructing parallel structure, ensure that the verb tenses match. Here’s an example:
Example 3:
Incorrect: The company focuses on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and will expand to new markets.
Correct: The company focuses on improving efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding to new markets.
In the correct version, all the verbs (“improving,” “reducing,” and “expanding”) are in the present participle form. This maintains parallelism throughout the sentence.
2. Balanced Sentence Structures
Parallel structure also applies to the structure of sentences. Aim to create balance by ensuring each parallel element aligns in structure. Consider this example:
Example 4:
Incorrect: She enjoys to read books, running in the park, and painting.
Correct: She enjoys reading books, running in the park, and painting.
By utilizing the gerund form (“-ing”) for all the parallel elements, the sentence becomes much more fluid and harmonious.
3. Symmetrical Verb Phrases
As parallel structure can extend beyond a single sentence, it is crucial to maintain symmetry in verb phrases when connecting multiple ideas. Consider the following example:
Example 5:
Incorrect: The conference aims to educate attendees, making networking connections, and inspire future leaders.
Correct: The conference aims to educate attendees, facilitate networking connections, and inspire future leaders.
By using the verb “facilitate” to parallel the verbs “educate” and “inspire,” the sentence becomes more balanced and engaging.
Informal Ways to Express Parallel Structure
While formal writing requires precise parallelism, informal language allows for more flexibility and creativity. Here are some tips and examples on how to express parallel structure in a casual or conversational manner:
1. Emphasizing Similar Actions
In informal contexts, you can express parallel structure by emphasizing similar actions through repetition or rephrasing:
Example 6:
Repetition: The concert was loud, vibrant, and absolutely mind-blowing.
Rephrasing: The concert was loud, full of life, and just blew my mind.
Both examples showcase parallel structure by iterating similar qualities using different words, successfully conveying the overall excitement in an informal tone.
2. Utilizing Informal Phrases
When aiming for an informal tone, incorporating colloquial expressions and idiomatic phrases can enhance parallelism:
Example 7:
He never misses a beat, leaves no stone unturned, and always goes the extra mile.
This example demonstrates parallelism using three idiomatic phrases, maintaining an informal yet engaging style.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this guide! You now have a solid understanding of parallel structure, both in formal and informal contexts. Remember, parallel structure helps convey your message clearly, making it more pleasing to read and easier to understand. Whether you’re writing formally or informally, employing parallel structure will undoubtedly enhance your writing skills. So, practice, experiment, and enjoy expressing your thoughts with the beauty of parallel structure!
