Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is the repetition of a specific grammatical form within a sentence or list. When you use the same word pattern, you’re signaling to your reader that these ideas are equally important. It creates a mental shortcut that helps people follow your logic without getting tripped up by clunky phrasing.
Think of it as a rhythmic balance. If you start a list with an “-ing” verb (a gerund), every other item in that list should also be an “-ing” verb. This consistency makes your writing more professional, easier to digest, and much more persuasive.
Why does parallel structure matter?
Using parallel structure isn’t just about following strict grammar rules; it is about improving the user experience for your reader.
| Benefit | How it works |
| Clarity | It stops readers from having to ‘re-read’ a sentence because the pattern changed mid-way through. |
| Emphasis | It highlights related ideas by giving them equal weight in a sentence. |
| Flow | It creates a natural rhythm (cadence) that makes your prose more engaging. |
| Professionalism | It shows a command of the English language, crucial for business and academic writing. |
Common examples of parallelism
To understand how to fix faulty parallelism, compare these incorrect and correct structures across different sentence types.
1. Parallelism in lists
In a list, every item must be the same part of speech.
- Incorrect: She likes dancing, to swim, and playing guitar.
- Correct: She likes dancing, swimming, and playing guitar.
2. Parallelism in comparisons
When comparing two things using “than” or “as,” the elements must match.
- Incorrect: My father enjoyed both cooking and to bake.
- Correct: My father enjoyed both cooking and baking.
3. Parallelism with correlative conjunctions
Phrases like not only… but also or either… or require identical structures on both sides.
- Incorrect: He is not only fluent in English, but also in French he can speak.
- Correct: He is not only fluent in English but also fluent in French.
4. Parallelism in clauses
Consistency should remain even in longer, more complex sentences.
- Incorrect: The manager told me to clean my desk, to organize my files, and that I should make sure to back up my computer.
- Correct: The manager told me to clean my desk, organize my files, and back up my computer.
Practical tips for ESL students and writers
If you want your writing to sound more natural and ‘native,’ mastering this one rule will do more for you than memorizing a thousand vocabulary words.
- The “list” check: Look at every “and” or “or” in your writing. Are the words on both sides the same “type” (e.g., all nouns, all adjectives, or all verbs)?
- The “read aloud” test: Parallel sentences have a musical beat. If you trip over a phrase while reading out loud, you likely have a parallelism error.
- The “verb tense” audit: Ensure you aren’t switching between past and present tense within the same list of actions.
A note on “literary license“: Experienced authors sometimes break these rules to create a jarring effect or to surprise the reader. However, for business, academic, or technical writing, sticking to the rules is the safest way to ensure your message is received clearly.
Frequently asked questions about parallelism
Summary of parallelism rules
| Element | Rule for Parallelism |
| Gerunds | Use “-ing” for all items (e.g., running, jumping, swimming). |
| Infinitives | Use “to” for all items (e.g., to run, to jump, to swim). |
| Adjectives | Don’t mix adjectives with nouns (e.g., fast, quiet, and efficient). |
| Conjunctions | Ensure both sides of “and,” “but,” and “or” are equal. |
Visual tools to help you learn
Are you struggling to understand parallelism? These two videos will help reinforce what you just learned.
Oregon State University guide on parallelism
Parallel structure
Mastering parallelism in your daily writing
Achieving a professional tone doesn’t require complex vocabulary; often, it simply requires balance. By applying parallel structure to your lists, comparisons, and everyday sentences, you transform “clunky” prose into a rhythmic, persuasive narrative. Whether you are drafting a formal essay, an important email, or a speech, consistency is your most powerful tool for clarity.
Remember, the goal of grammatical parallelism is to make your reader’s job easier. When your sentences flow logically, your ideas take center stage.
Join the conversation: How do you use parallel structure?
We want to hear from you! Is there a specific sentence you’re struggling to make parallel? Or perhaps you’ve spotted a hilariously “faulty” example in a public sign or advertisement?
- Leave a comment below with your toughest grammar questions or your favorite examples of parallelism in literature.
- Share this guide with a friend or colleague who is working on their writing skills—it’s the fastest way to help them level up their prose.
By practicing these rules today, you’ll ensure your message is not just heard, but remembered.
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