Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a grammatical and rhetorical framework in which similar elements in a sentence or a series of sentences maintain the same grammatical form or structure. This technique enhances clarity, rhythm, and readability, making the text easier to understand.
Examples of Parallel Structure:
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Words or Phrases:
- Correct: "She enjoys reading, writing, and jogging."
- Incorrect: "She enjoys reading, to write, and jogging."
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Clauses:
- Correct: "The committee will review the proposal, analyze the data, and make a decision."
- Incorrect: "The committee will review the proposal, analyzing the data, and a decision will be made."
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Lists:
- Correct: "To succeed in business, one must be diligent, creative, and persistent."
- Incorrect: "To succeed in business, one must be diligent, be creative, and persistence is key."
Using parallel structure improves cohesion in writing and ensures that the elements of a sentence or list appear balanced, making communication more effective.