Parallel Structure

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Parallel structure (also called parallelism) is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence.

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By making each compared item or idea in your sentence follow the same grammatical pattern, you create a parallel construction.

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For example, using the same preposition, pronouns, verbs within the sentence. 

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions. 

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​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​Rule #1

Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series (Place a comma between three or more items connected by a coordinating conjunction).

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​Some text here about the topic of discussion.

​Rule #2

​Use parallel structure with elements being compared.  (X is more than / better than Y)

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​Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb (link a subject with its the thing that completes it) or a verb of being ((forms of be - is, are, was, were, has/have/had been, will be) - show a state of existence.

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​Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction ( either...or; both...and; not only...but also)

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