Parallel structure means repeating the same grammar patterns to show that the ideas in them are the same. That is to say expressions of the same content should have the same surface form. This is very helpful for leaders to recognize similarities in ideas.

Rules of Parallel Structure
1. In coordinate ideas, a noun should be parallel with a noun, an adjective with an adjective, an active verb with an active verb, an infinitive with an infinitive, an -ing form with an -ing form, a subordinate clause with a subordinate clause, and so forth.

Parallel structure in a series

Use 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 words

On the word level, a noun should be grouped with other nouns, an adjective with other adjectives, and so on.

Not parallel	Parallel
The company is looking for a candidate who is friendly, organized, meticulous, and is going to arrive to work on time.	The company is looking for a candidate who is friendly, organized, meticulous, and punctual.

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.

Not parallel	Parallel
The participants in the workshop learned how to communicate, negotiate, and working collaboratively for the most effective outcome.	The participants in the workshop learned how to communicate, negotiate, and work collaboratively for the most effective outcome. The participants in the workshop learned about communicating, negotiating, and working collaboratively for the most effective outcome.

Parallel phrases

Parallel structure should be used to balance a series of phrases with the same grammatical structure.

For example, avoid mixing noun phrases with verb phrases.

Not parallel	Parallel
Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical caused memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and deters sleep.	Initial trials showed that exposure to the chemical caused memory problems, intermittent dizziness, and insomnia.

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.

Not parallel	Parallel
Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records, and to conduct visitor surveys.	Her main duties were answering phone calls, filing records, and conducting visitor surveys.

Parallel clauses

Parallelism is also applicable to a series of clauses in a sentence.

Not parallel	Parallel
The report card stated that the student often talked in class, that he bullied other students, and rarely finished his homework.	The report card stated that the student often talked in class, that he bullied other students, and that he rarely finished his homework. The report card stated that the student often talked in class, bullied other students, and rarely finished his homework.

Lists after a colon

A list that follows a colon should always have parallel elements.

Not parallel	Parallel
Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several key causes: deregulation policies, spike in interest rates, manufacturing orders declining, and the emergence of asset bubbles.	Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several key causes: the enactment of deregulation policies, the spike in interest rates, the decline in manufacturing orders, and the emergence of asset bubbles. Mainstream economists have attributed the recession to several key causes: deregulation policies, high interest rates, low manufacturing orders, and asset bubbles.

Parallel construction in pairs

Use 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.

Not parallel	Parallel
She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or phone interviews.	She planned to collect data by either using an online survey or conducting phone interviews. She planned to collect data through either online surveys or phone interviews.

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.

Not parallel	Parallel
His paper argues that the distinctive divergence in the two artists’ styles was not only shaped by their mutual rivalry but also because of the idiosyncratic tastes of patrons.	His paper argues that the distinctive divergence in the two artists’ styles was shaped not only by their mutual rivalry but also by the idiosyncratic tastes of patrons.

The same rule applies to pairs connected by a word of comparison, such as over, than or as.

Not parallel	Parallel
He prefers movie nights at home over going to loud house parties.	He prefers movie nights at home over loud house parties. He prefers hosting movie nights at home over going to loud house parties.

 

Correct parallel structure in the following sentences.

Practice one 
l. Tina has wit, charm and her personality is pleasant.

2. In English class, Tashonda learned to read poems critically and she appreciated good prose.

3. Raoul's IQ is higher than Ralph.4. Our coach was a brilliant strategist, a caring mentor and he has wisdom.

5 .We found the film repulsive, offensive and we thought it was embarrassing.

6. Professor Ali rewarded his students for their hard work on the final project and going beyond the call of duty.

7- Benefits of coaching include: knowing each player, helping that player to improve to see that person succeed in life.

8- At the party, my sister helped us make the cake, gathering the kids for games, clean up the mess, and to drive some kids home.

9-Exercises that I enjoy doing are marathon running, to swim lengths in a pool, riding my bicycle in the park, and to walk along the trails in a forest.

10-We must either change the laws about drunk driving or it will be necessary to start enforcing them more strictly.

11-The protestors were gathering outside, held signs, starting to shout loudly and stopped the speaker from being heard.

12-My sister-in-law loves fad diets and has tried: eating only meat, to not eat anything but rice, smoothies every morning while not restricting anything else, and fasting 12 hours a day.

13-To my horror, my wedding dress looked stained, torn and it had wrinkles.

14- The English teacher spoke in a nasal tone, unpleasantly, but conveying the information clearly and was funny.

 Practice Two

Edit these sentences to create parallel structure.

1. Mike likes to listen to rock music and reading mystery novels.

2. Julia is in charge of stocking the shelves, writing orders, and to sell computers.

3. My grandfather’s favorite pastime is to eat in trendy restaurants and visiting art galleries.

4. While in France, my nephew spent his time studying French, working in a restaurant, and he jogged along the Seine River every morning.

5. Joan decided to paint her office, to add some new curtains, and that the rug needs drying.

6. Rafael delivered his speech with confidence and enthusiastically.

7. I have traveled by bus, by train, and by subway, but never by boat.

8. The advertisement claims that this toothpaste kills more germs and prevents more cavities than any other toothpaste.

Which one is correct

a-     Let us forget his crime and that he has suffered

b-     Let us forget his crime and his suffering.

a-     To eat and drinking were his chief pleasures.

b-     To eat and to drink were his chief pleasures /or: Eating and drinking were his chief pleasures.

a-     There is nothing I like better than I like better than finding a good fresh stream, setting up camp and to spend a couple of days fishing.

b-     There is nothing I like better than I like better than finding a good fresh stream, setting up camp and spending a couple of days fishing.

a-     I admire James for the ideals in his poems but not his style.

b-     I admire James for the ideals in his poems but not for his style.

a-     In the wreck the circus lost a camel and elephant.

b-     In the wreck the circus lost a camel and an elephant.

Exercise Four

Finish the sentences with your own ideas

1-     I went to work, but……………………………………………………….

2-     I bought a new house, and…………………………………………………..

3-     America doesn’t have good ……………………………nor………………

4-     The students are learning English, yet……………………………………..

5-     Joe lost his wallet, so………………………………………………………

6-     John went to the party, and………………………………………………..

7-     My friend’s ice cream shop is going to open across the street, so…………………….