By: Christina Lee

1. By: Christina Lee

2. What is Parallelism? • The principle of parallel (parallelism) construction requires that expressions of similar content and function should be outwardly similar. • The likeness of form enables the reader to recognize more readily the likeness of content and function. • This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level.

3. Examples Not Parallel: Ellen likes hiking, the rodeo, and to take afternoon naps. Parallel: Ellen likes hiking, attending the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps. OR Ellen likes to hike, attend the rodeo, and take afternoon naps.

4. With Coordinating Conjunctions When you connect two or more clauses or phrases with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so), use parallel structure. Example Not Parallel: My best friend took me dancing and to a show. Parallel: My best friend took me to a dance and a show. Not Parallel: My dog not only likes to play fetch, but also chase cars. Parallel: My dog not only likes to play fetch, but he also likes to chase cars.

5. With Phrases or Clauses of Comparison When you connect two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison, such as than or as, use parallel structure. Example Not Parallel: I would rather pay for my education than financial aid. Parallel: I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid.

6. With Lists When you are comparing items in a list, use parallel structure. Example Not Parallel: John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they are compulsory, funded by the government, and destroy students' humanity. Parallel: John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they are compulsory, governmentfunded, and normalizing. OR John Taylor Gatto criticizes public schools because they require students to attend, receive money from the government, and destroy students' humanity.

7. Let’s Practice!! Are the following sentences parallel or not parallel? The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low. The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game. The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

8. Tips to avoid Faulty Parallelism • Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel. • If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel. • Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.

9. Quiz Time! Please take a moment to do the quiz that was provided for you. We will go over the answers when everyone is finish.