Parallelism in grammar means using the same grammatical structure for two or more parts of a sentence that are similar in meaning or function. This helps make your writing clearer, smoother, and easier to follow.
Writers use parallel structure to keep ideas balanced and consistent. Whether you’re listing actions, comparing thoughts, or linking clauses, parallelism makes your sentences more polished and professional.
In this article, you’ll learn what parallelism is, how to spot and fix common errors, and how to use it effectively in everything from simple lists to persuasive writing.
What Is Parallelism in Grammar?
Parallelism (also called parallel structure) is the use of matching grammatical forms in related words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. It ensures that each element follows the same pattern, creating a balanced and clear sentence.
Example:
- ✔ On weekends, Mark likes hiking, to play tennis, and going for long drives.
- ❌ On weekends, Mark likes hiking, playing tennis, and going for long drives.
In the correct version, each item in the list is a gerund (–ing form), which keeps the structure consistent.
Parallelism is especially useful when:
- Listing ideas or actions
- Connecting thoughts with conjunctions
- Creating comparisons or contrasts
When used correctly, it improves sentence rhythm and makes ideas easier to understand.
Why Is Parallelism Important?
Parallelism helps to make writing clear, organized, and impactful. When sentence elements follow the same structure, the reader can understand and absorb ideas more quickly.
Here’s why it matters:
- Clarity: Parallel structure eliminates confusion by keeping patterns predictable.
✔ “He wanted to win the race, to break the record, and to inspire others.” - Consistency: It keeps writing smooth and evenly paced, which improves flow.
- Emphasis: Balanced structure draws attention to repeated ideas and makes your message stronger.
Common Types of Parallelism
Parallelism can appear in several parts of a sentence. The key is to maintain the same grammatical form for each item that shares a function or meaning. Below are the most common types:
1. Words
Use the same form when listing individual words of the same type.
✔ The teacher was patient, kind, and helpful.
(All adjectives)
2. Phrases
Keep phrases consistent in structure and format.
✔ She enjoys singing in the shower, dancing in the rain, and reading in the sun.
(All gerund phrases)
3. Clauses
Make sure the clauses follow the same grammatical order.
✔ He said that he would arrive early, that he would help set up, and that he would stay late.
(All dependent clauses beginning with “that”)
4. Lists and Series
Maintain uniformity when listing two or more items.
✔ The job requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and time management.
(All noun phrases)
Keeping these structures parallel helps your writing feel more natural and polished, especially in longer or more complex sentences.
Rules for Maintaining Parallel Structure
To keep your writing clear and consistent, each part of a sentence that serves the same function should follow the same grammatical form. This helps readers process your message smoothly without distraction.
1. Match Grammatical Forms
Use the same structure when listing actions, traits, or ideas.
✔ “She likes to hike, to swim, and to cycle.”
✔ “She likes hiking, swimming, and cycling.”
Both are correct, as long as the structure is consistent.
2. Use Conjunctions Correctly
Words like “and,” “or,” “but,” and correlative conjunctions such as “either…or” or “not only…but also” should link items that match in form.
✔ “You can either join the workshop or complete the assignment independently.”
✘ “You can either join the workshop or completing the assignment.”
3. Be Consistent with Verb Forms
When you start with a specific verb tense or form, continue with the same pattern.
✔ “They were planning the trip, packing their bags, and reviewing their itinerary.”
(Each verb is in the –ing form.)
Applying these rules improves both sentence rhythm and overall readability.
How to Identify and Correct Faulty Parallelism
Faulty parallelism happens when parts of a sentence that should match don’t follow the same structure. This can make your writing feel awkward or confusing, even if the meaning is clear.
How to Spot It
Look at lists, comparisons, or phrases connected by conjunctions. Do the parts match in form? If not, it’s likely a case of faulty parallelism.
❌ Maya spends her evenings answering emails, scrolling through social media, and to prepare the next day’s schedule.
(This mixes gerunds with an infinitive phrase.)
✔ Maya spends her evenings answering emails, scrolling through social media, and preparing the next day’s schedule.
(All three are gerund phrases, so the sentence reads smoothly.)
How to Fix It
Once you spot the mismatch, choose one structure and stick to it. Ask yourself:
- Are you using verbs, nouns, or phrases?
- Do they all follow the same format?
Here’s another example:
❌ “The company values honesty, being efficient, and that employees show up on time.”
✔ “The company values honesty, efficiency, and punctuality.”
(Now, all items are nouns.)
Making small changes like these can sharpen your writing and improve its rhythm.
Parallelism in Rhetoric and Literature
Parallelism isn’t just a grammar rule; it’s also a great writing technique often used in rhetoric. Writers and speakers often use it to add rhythm, create emphasis, or make ideas more memorable.
In Speeches
Think of famous lines that stick with you. Chances are, they follow a parallel structure.
Example:
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
(John F. Kennedy)
This sentence is memorable because both parts use the same structure. It feels balanced and impactful.
In Literature
Authors use parallelism to bring a smooth, poetic flow to their writing.
Example:
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
(Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)
Repeating the same pattern helps highlight the contrast while keeping the sentence clear and strong.
Even in everyday writing, a little parallelism can go a long way. It’s not just about following rules; it’s about making your writing sound better.
Summary
Parallelism means keeping sentence parts in the same grammatical form when they serve the same function. It helps your writing stay clear, smooth, and balanced.
When you’re listing actions, connecting phrases, or comparing ideas, check that each part follows the same pattern. Fixing mismatches like mixing verb forms or switching between phrases can make your writing easier to read and more polished.
Whether you’re writing essays, emails, or speeches, using parallel structure helps your message come across clearly and effectively.
FAQs
What is an example of parallelism in grammar?
An example of parallelism is: “Lucy enjoys painting, singing, and dancing.” Each verb follows the same form, which makes the sentence clear and balanced.
What is faulty parallelism?
Faulty parallelism occurs when parts of a sentence that should match grammatically do not. For example: “Mike likes running, to swim, and biking.” The mixed structures make the sentence confusing.
How do you fix a sentence that is not parallel?
To fix a sentence, identify the elements that should match and revise them to follow the same structure. For example, change “She likes to cook, jogging, and read” to “She likes cooking, jogging, and reading.”
Why is parallel structure important in writing?
Parallel structure improves clarity, adds rhythm, and makes writing easier to understand. It helps the reader process ideas smoothly, especially in lists or comparisons.
Is parallelism a figure of speech?
No, parallelism is a grammatical structure, not a figure of speech. However, it is often used as a stylistic device in writing and speech to create emphasis and rhythm.