Here are the key factors that determine if a sentence is parallel:
* Matching grammatical structures: Each component should use the same grammatical structure (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, all prepositional phrases, etc.).
* Consistency in parts of speech: If you use a noun in one part of the sentence, use a noun in the corresponding part. Similarly, if you use a verb in one part, use a verb in the corresponding part.
* Matching verb tenses: If you use a past tense verb in one part of the sentence, use a past tense verb in the corresponding part.
* Balance and clarity: Parallelism makes writing clearer, more impactful, and easier to read.
Example:
* Non-parallel: "He likes to swim, to play tennis, and running."
* Parallel: "He likes to swim, to play tennis, and to run."
How to check for parallelism:
1. Identify the components: Break down the sentence into its individual parts (phrases or clauses).
2. Analyze the structure: Look for a consistent grammatical structure and part of speech across all components.
3. Rewrite if necessary: If there is a mismatch, revise the sentence to create parallelism.
In addition to these key factors, consider the following:
* Word choice: Choose words that are similar in meaning and level of formality.
* Sentence length: Parallelism can be applied to short phrases or longer clauses.
* Emphasis: Parallelism can be used to emphasize certain ideas or points within a sentence.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your sentences are well-structured and easy to understand.