Parallel structure, also called parallel construction, is the repetition of a grammatical form within a sentence. Staying with one form adds clarity to your writing.
For example:
Harry likes swimming, the theatre and to go for hikes. – not parallel
Harry likes swimming, attending the theatre and hiking. – parallel
Or
Harry likes to swim, attend the theatre and hike. - parallel
Parallel structure with coordinate conjunctions
When you connect two or more clauses or phrases with a coordinate conjunction (for, and, but, or, yet, nor or so), you also use parallel structure.
For example:
Sue took John dancing and to the movies. – not parallel
Sue took John to a dance and the movies. - parallel
Parallel structure with correlative conjunctions
When you connect two clauses or phrases with a correlative conjunction (not only, but also, either, neither, nor, if, then), you also need to use parallel structure.
For example:
My daughter not only likes to take naps, but also sleep late in the mornings. – not parallel
My daughter not only likes to take naps, but she also lies to sleep late in the mornings. - parallel
Or
My daughter likes not only to take naps, but also to sleep late in the mornings. - parallel
Parallel structure with lists
When comparing items in a list, you also use parallel structure.
For example:
You will learn the following things in your piano class:
- To use proper posture
- To strike the keys with control
- To use a metronome
- Playing by ear (This item is not parallel. It should be: To play by ear.)
