Parallelism and Clarity

Definitions

Coordinate: of the same level (notice the root co- meaning “same”). Think co-worker, etc.

Compound: when more than one coordinate element is in a sentence. These could be direct objects, objects of prepositions, or items in a series, for example.

Definitions

Parallelism: expressions similar in content and function must be expressed in an outwardly similar manner.

Tie to clarity: This parallel structure allows the reader to better recognize the similarity of content and function.

Note the Differences

In the spring, summer, and in the winter

In the spring, the summer, and the winter.

or

In the spring, in the summer, and in the winter.

Made Parallel

Again

The French, the Portuguese, and Spanish

The French, the Portuguese, and the Spanish

Made Parallel

Example

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Repetitive, yes.

Repetition provides clarity for the reader

Hints

When you have a compound scenario, it is best to place the items “compounded” in like terms.

Repeat an introductory word before each phrase or verb or noun in parallel

I love to woo, to wed, to wander, to pay alimony.

Made Parallel

“I have a dream…”

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Examples

Truth is not a diet but a condiment.– Christopher Morley

Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun.– KFC

With Antithetical Constructions

“Opposite” constructions

But Not

Examples

I shall train the vampire, but I shall not train the werewolf.

I enjoy spaghetti not rice.

With Correlative Conjunctions

Either…or Neither…nor Both…and Not only…but also Whether….or

Examples

The scientists disputed not only the newspaper article but also the university’s official statement.

Either I like the job or I don’t like it.

I have neither the patience nor the time to complete the assignment.

Let’s Correct..

My uncle likes to eat in expensive restaurants and visiting museums.

My friends never judged me by my words or what I did.

More practice…

The tribes emphasized collective survival, mutual aid, and being responsible.

The frustrated customer wanted to exchange the article, get a refund or have the manager speak to her.

One more…

I will either choose to go to Yale or I shall consider attending Harvard.

Be sure to buy both the bread and one of those delicious slices of pizza.

But….

Good writers know parallelism and write in a parallel fashion most of the time.

As a writer, you can create effect when you break those parallel rules.

The survivalist struggled through the Arctic, the Andes, the Himalayas, and the eighth grade.