Parallelism in grammar, also known as parallel structure, is a stylistic device that enhances readability and clarity by ensuring that similar elements within a sentence are presented in a consistent grammatical form. This technique is prevalent in literature, speeches, and everyday writing, contributing to the rhythm and balance of sentences.
Understanding Parallelism in Grammar
Parallelism involves using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can occur at the word, phrase, or clause level. For instance:
Incorrect: She likes reading, to swim, and jogging.
Correct: She likes reading, swimming, and jogging.
In the correct example, all the activities are presented as gerunds (-ing forms), maintaining a parallel structure.
Types of Parallelism
Parallel Words
When listing items, ensure that each item is in the same grammatical form:
Incorrect: The manager was responsible for hiring, training, and to evaluate employees.
Correct: The manager was responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating employees.
Parallel Phrases
Parallelism can also apply to phrases:
Incorrect: The project involves analyzing data, writing reports, and to present findings.
Correct: The project involves analyzing data, writing reports, and presenting findings.
Parallel Clauses
When using clauses, maintain parallel structure:
Incorrect: She said that she would study for the exam and she will complete her assignments.
Correct: She said that she would study for the exam and complete her assignments.
Common Errors in Parallelism
Faulty parallelism occurs when elements in a sentence are not grammatically similar. This can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of writing. Common errors include mixing verb forms, inconsistent use of prepositions, and mismatched structures in lists.
Examples of Parallelism in Literature
Parallelism is a powerful tool in literature, used to create rhythm and emphasis. Here are some notable examples:
Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…”
This opening line uses parallel clauses to contrast different scenarios, setting the tone for the novel.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
“I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day… I have a dream that one day…”
The repetition of “I have a dream” followed by parallel clauses emphasizes the vision and hope in King’s speech.
Techniques for Achieving Parallelism
To ensure parallelism in your writing:
- Identify the elements: Determine the parts of the sentence that should be parallel.
- Match grammatical forms: Ensure that each element is in the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all gerunds, all infinitives).
- Use consistent conjunctions: When connecting elements, use the same conjunctions to maintain balance.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of parallelism with the following sentences. Identify and correct any errors:
- She enjoys hiking, to swim, and biking.
- The teacher said that the students should study diligently and they should complete their assignments.
- He is not only intelligent but also he is hardworking.
Answers:
- She enjoys hiking, swimming, and biking.
- The teacher said that the students should study diligently and complete their assignments.
- He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
Conclusion
Mastering parallelism in grammar enhances the clarity and readability of your writing. By ensuring that similar elements are presented in a consistent grammatical form, you can create sentences that are balanced and effective. Regular practice and attention to sentence structure will help you incorporate parallelism seamlessly into your writing.
For further reading on parallelism and its applications, consider exploring resources such as Grammar Wiz’s guide on parallelism and The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation’s article on practicing parallelism.
