Tool Number 5: Use PARALLELISM
Writing in parallel structure helps
keep your reader stay on track with your points.
You don't want to lose your reader
by confusing them with inconsistent verb forms.
As you build more complex sentences and experiment with sentence variety in your writing, you will inevitably come across questions of parallelism. In their book, Harbrace Essentials, authors Cheryl Glenn and Loretta Gray define parallelism as "the use of grammatically equivalent structures to clarify meaning and emphasize ideas" (103).
Watch this Video for Parallelism information.
During revision always make sure verbs are parallel in form. Always check for parallelism in sentences joined with: and, but, or
For example,
Not Parallel: Whether mortgage rates or the building codes are changed, the real estate market should remain strong this spring.
Parallel: Whether mortgage rates or building codes change, the real estate market should remain strong this spring.
Always check to make sure Verb form and tense are consistent:
Not Parallel: People all around me are buying, just remodeled or want to sell their houses.
Parallel: People all around me are buying, remodeling, or selling their houses.
The authors explain that "parallel elements make your writing easy to read" (105). But they suggest that the occasional break from the parallel pattern can be used to emphasize a point.
For example:
"My friend Allison is kind, modest and the smartest mathematician in the the state."
Rather than "My friend Allison is kind, modest and good at math."
Link to Obama Op-Ed. Notice how this famous writer puts all of these tools into play in order to explain and develop his argument.
Written Quiz:
How would you make these sentences parallel?
- When she hired new employees for her department, she looked for applicants who were intelligent, able to stay focused, and able to speak clearly.
- In her report, she wrote that her most important achievements were attracting new clients and revenues were higher.
- At meetings she was always prepared, participating actively yet politely, and generated innovative responses to department concerns.
- Helen was praised by the vice president and her assistant admired her.
- When asked about her leadership style, she said that she preferred collaborating with others rather than to work alone in her office.
