Parallel Structure

Definition

Parallel structure is the term writers use to describe similar ideas expressed in similar ways.

Easy example

The sentence "I like running, fishing, and to ski" lacks parallel structure. The similar ideas are running, fishing, and to ski, the three things you like to do. A more graceful and readable way to write them is to use parallel structure: "I like running, fishing, and skiing."

Explanation

Readers read more fluently when they can anticipate what will come next in a sentence or passage. Parallel structure fulfills what good readers anticipate, much as a well-developed paragraph fulfills the anticipation set up in the topic sentence. More specifically, a good writer uses a thesis statement or topic sentence to tell the reader what to expect next and then fulfills that commitment to the reader. Parallel structure helps in a similar way. When a writer presents a series of ideas, readers expect them to be stated in the same way. When they are not, the reader experiences a mild "cognitive dissonance" that hinders fluent reading.

Coordinate ideas should always be parallel. Headings in a table of contents should all be parallel. Subheadings should be parallel. Items in a list should always be parallel. Ideas being compared or contrasted should be parallel. Instructions should be parallel. Compound elements in a sentence should be parallel. And so on. (For more explanation on coordinate ideas, click on the word below.)

Parallel structure is easy to spot in a sentence, but not as easy to spot in a longer passage. The examples and exercises in this lesson all show parallel structure in both sentences and longer passages.

To learn more, choose from the list below.

Coordination

Examples

Exercises