Examples of Non-Parallel Structure
1. "She enjoys *reading* and *to watch* movies."
- The first element ("reading") is a gerund (a verb acting as a noun), while the second element ("to watch") is an infinitive.
- To fix: "She enjoys *reading* and *watching* movies." (Both are gerunds)
- Or: "She enjoys *to read* and *to watch* movies." (Both are infinitives)
2. "He is *tall, handsome*, and *has a great personality*."
- The first two elements are adjectives, but the third element is a phrase.
- To fix: "He is *tall, handsome*, and *charming*." (All are adjectives)
- Or: "He is *tall, handsome, and has a great personality*." (All are phrases)
3. "The team *practiced hard* and *their determination was shown*."
- The first element is a verb phrase, while the second element is a passive clause.
- To fix: "The team *practiced hard* and *demonstrated their determination*." (Both are verb phrases)
4. "I *like to eat* pizza, *going to the movies*, and *reading books*."
- The first element is an infinitive phrase, the second is a gerund phrase, and the third is a present participle phrase.
- To fix: "I *like to eat* pizza, *go to the movies*, and *read books*." (All are infinitive phrases)
- Or: "I *enjoy eating* pizza, *going to the movies*, and *reading books*." (All are gerund phrases)
Common Errors
Here are some common errors in parallel structure:
* Mixing infinitives and gerunds: For example, "I like *to swim* and *running*."
* Using different tenses: For example, "She *will go* to the store and *bought* groceries."
* Combining phrases and single words: For example, "He is *smart, witty, and a good listener*."
Why Parallel Structure Matters
Parallel structure is important because it:
* Makes writing clearer and easier to understand: Parallel structure helps readers follow your train of thought.
* Adds rhythm and flow to writing: Parallel structure creates a pleasing rhythm that makes your writing more enjoyable to read.
* Creates a sense of balance and consistency: Parallel structure makes your writing appear more organized and professional.
By understanding the rules of parallel structure, you can improve the clarity, flow, and overall quality of your writing.