Parallel Structure

Identify and use parallel structure

the use of similar grammatical patterns to show similar ideas

adds rhythm and balance to writing

strengthens connections among ideas

"Planning, drafting, and revision are three steps in the writing process" is awkward, because it lacks parallelism (two "-ing" words with one "-ion" word all in the same list)

It is better to say: "Planning, drafting, and revising are three steps in the writing process." (now, all three things in the list are "-ing" words)

"I could not wait to try my new surfboard, to catch some waves, and for a visit to the beach" is awkward, because it lacks parallelism (two infinitive phrases ("to try," "to catch") with one prepositional phrase ("for a visit") all in the same list)

It is better to say: "I could not wait to try my new surfboard, to catch some waves, and to visit to the beach." (now, all three things in the list are infinitive phrases: "to try," "to catch," "to visit")

"Olivia likes her school: The teachers are good, the students are nice, and she likes the new building" is awkward, because it lacks parallelism ("The teachers" and "the students" match, but "she likes" doesn't fit the pattern)

It is better to say: "Olivia likes her school: The teachers are good, the students are nice, and the building is new." (now, all three things in the list follow the same pattern of "the [BLANK]": "the teachers," "the students," "the building")

Identify and use parallel structure (done!)