Parallelism Grammar Examples

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A. Parallel Structure in Series


In all patterns ideas or equal importance should be expressed by the same grammatical structure. Avoid expressing ideas in a series by different structure.

Examples of Parallel Structure in Series :

  • Incorrect : Jane is young, enthusiastic, and she has talent.
  • Correct : Jane is young, enthusiastic, and talented.

  • Incorrect : We learned to read the passages carefully and underlining the main ideas.
  • Correct : We learned to read the passages carefully and to underline the main ideas.

  • Incorrect : The duties of the new secretary are to answer the telephone, to type letters, and book keeping.
  • Correct : The duties of the new secretary are to answer the telephone, to type letters, and to do the book keeping.

  • Incorrect : The patient's symptoms were fever, dizziness, and his head hurt.
  • Correct : The patient's symptoms were fever, dizziness, and headaches.

  • Incorrect : Professor William enjoys teaching and to write.
  • Correct : Professor William enjoys teaching and writing.


B. Parallel after Correlative Conjunctions


Remember that ideas of equal importance are introduce by correlative conjunction :
  • Both ... and
  • Not only ... but also

Avoid expressing ideas after correlative conjunction by different structures.

Examples of Parallel after Correlative Conjunctions :

  • Incorrect : She is not only famous in the United States, but also abroad.
  • Correct : She is famous not only in the United States, but also abroad.

  • Incorrect : The exam tested both listening and to read.
  • Correct : The exam tested both listening and reading.

  • Incorrect : He is not only intelligent but also he is creative.
  • Correct : He is not only intelligent but also creative.

  • Incorrect : Flying is not only faster but also it is safer than traveling by car.
  • Correct : Flying is not only faster but also safer than traveling by car.

  • Incorrect : John registered for both Electrical Engineering 500 and study Mathematics 390.
  • Correct : John registered for both Electrical Engineering 500 and Mathematics 390.