Parallel Structure

Parallel structuremeans using the same
pattern of words to show thattwo or more
ideas have the same level of importance.

Why does this matter?

Why does this matter?

job resume

academic writing

Why does this matter?

more job options

higher scores

Think of shapes.

Lisa likes to chew gum, she reads and
she likes wearing pink backpacks.

Lisa likes to chew gum, she reads and she likes wearing
pink backpacks.

Lisa likes to chew gum, read and wear pink backpacks.

Lisa likes to chew gum, read and wear pink backpacks.

Parallel structure
is like the food
court.

3 Situations

Not Parallel
Desiree likes hiking, to swim and she likes to ride a bicycle.

Parallel
Desiree likes hiking, swimming and riding a bicycle.
-or-
Desiree likes to hike, to swim and to ride a bicycle.
-or-
Desiree likes to hike, swim and ride a bicycle.

1) WORDS & PHRASES

Not Parallel
Coach Olsen told the players that they should get a lot of
sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some
warm-up exercises before the game.

Parallel
Coach Olsen told the playersthat they should get a lot of
sleep,that they should not eat too much, andthat they
should do some warm-up exercises before the game.

2) CLAUSES

— or (even better)—
Coach Olsen told the players that they should get a lot of
sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up
exercises before the game.

Not Parallel
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word
meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up
irregular verbs.

Parallel
The dictionary can be used for these purposes:to find
word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings,
and irregular verbs.

3) COLONS (list)