Why Parallelism Matters for Effective Writing
| Term | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Parallelism | Using the same grammatical form for related words/phrases | She likes reading, writing, and swimming. |
| Non-parallel | Mixing different grammatical forms | She likes to read, writing, and swimming. |
What is Parallelism?
Parallelism in English is the use of the same grammatical structure within a sentence or list. It creates balance, clarity, and rhythm by making related words or phrases match in form. For example: “He wanted to win, to learn, and to enjoy.”
Parallelism in Grammar
Parallelism applies to lists, comparisons, pairs, and coordinate structures. Following parallelism rules prevents awkward or confusing sentences. Here are the main rules:
Rules and Examples
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Use the same form for items in a list:
Parallel: She enjoys cooking, dancing, and singing.
Non-parallel: She enjoys cooking, to dance, and singing. -
Balance paired ideas:
Parallel: I like not only to read but also to write.
Non-parallel: I like not only reading books but also to write. -
Keep verb tenses consistent:
Parallel: The kids laughed, played, and sang.
Non-parallel: The kids laughed, played, and are singing. -
In comparisons, both sides should match in form:
Parallel: Swimming is easier than running.
Non-parallel: Swimming is easier than to run.
Types of Parallelism
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatical | Repeats the same word forms (nouns, verbs) | He came, he saw, he conquered. |
| Literary/Rhetorical | Uses parallel structure for effect, often in literature or speeches | "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." |
| Anaphora | Repeats a word/phrase at the start of sentences/clauses | "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds." |
| Epistrophe | Repeats a word/phrase at the end of sentences/clauses | "...government of the people, by the people, for the people." |
| Antithesis | Joins opposites using a parallel structure | "To err is human; to forgive, divine." |
Parallelism in Literature and Poetry
Writers and poets use parallelism to add effect and beauty. For example, in the Bible: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Or in poems: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Why Writers Use Parallelism?
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To increase clarity and make sentences easy to follow.
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To add rhythm, flow, and memorability.
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To highlight contrasts or comparisons.
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To make ideas more persuasive in speeches and essays.
How to Use Parallelism
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Identify lists or paired ideas in your writing. Make sure all elements use the same form.
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Imitate strong examples. For speeches or essays, repeat key words or phrases for emphasis.
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Template: “I like ____ , ____ , and ____ .” (Fill with verbs in the same form).
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Practice changing non-parallel sentences into parallel ones.
Common Errors and Quick Fixes
| Error | Correction |
|---|---|
| He likes to sing, dancing, and to swim. | He likes to sing, to dance, and to swim. |
| She decided to study hard and going early to bed. | She decided to study hard and to go to bed early. |
| My hobbies are reading, to paint, and music. | My hobbies are reading, painting, and making music. |
Suggested Interlinks for Further Learning
- Figure of Speech
- Antithesis
- Types of Sentences
- Grammar
- Transformation of Sentences
- Active and Passive Voice
- Coordination and Subordination in Sentences
- Clauses
Parallelism in English strengthens your writing, speech, and exam answers. It means making your sentence parts match in structure for clarity and rhythm. Use it for lists, comparisons, and emphasis. With Vedantu’s guides, you can master parallelism and create effective, memorable English in all contexts.
FAQs on Parallelism in English: Easy Guide with Clear Examples
1. What is parallelism in English grammar?
Parallelism in English grammar is a stylistic device where similar grammatical elements are arranged in a series to create a balanced and rhythmic sentence structure. It enhances clarity and improves readability. For example, 'He likes swimming, running, and cycling' shows parallel structure because all three activities are presented as gerunds.
2. Can you give some examples of parallelism in a sentence?
Here are some examples of parallelism:
- Correct: She enjoys reading, writing, and singing.
- Incorrect: She enjoys reading, to write, and singing.
- Correct: He is kind, intelligent, and helpful.
- Incorrect: He is kind, has intelligence, and helpful.
3. Why is parallelism important in writing?
Parallelism is essential because it improves the clarity, rhythm, and impact of your writing. It makes your sentences easier to understand and more aesthetically pleasing. Using parallel structures makes your writing more persuasive and memorable. It is vital for exam success, especially in essays and speeches where structured writing is needed.
4. What are the different types of parallelism in literature?
Parallelism in literature encompasses various types, including:
- Grammatical parallelism: uses identical grammatical structures.
- Rhetorical parallelism: employs similar sentence structures for emphasis (e.g., anaphora, epistrophe, antithesis).
- Literary parallelism: found in poetry and prose for aesthetic and stylistic effects.
5. How do I fix sentences that are not parallel?
To fix non-parallel sentences, identify the grammatical elements that are not balanced. Then, restructure the sentence so all similar elements have the same grammatical form. For example, change 'She likes to read and writing' to 'She likes reading and writing'. Always maintain consistent grammatical structure (e.g., all gerunds, all infinitives) for effective parallelism.
6. What is the difference between repetition and parallelism?
While both repetition and parallelism use recurring elements, they differ in their structure and purpose. Repetition simply repeats words or phrases for emphasis, whereas parallelism uses similar grammatical structures across multiple elements within a sentence or series. Parallelism aims for balance and rhythm, while repetition focuses on highlighting a specific word or idea.
7. What is parallelism and examples?
Parallelism is a rhetorical device and grammatical construction where similar grammatical elements are arranged in a series. Examples include lists (e.g., 'I went to the store, the park, and the library'), or sentences with balanced phrases (e.g., 'She is beautiful and intelligent'). This structure brings clarity, rhythm, and emphasis to your writing.
8. What best describes parallelism?
Parallelism is best described as the use of similar grammatical structures (words, phrases, or clauses) in a series to create a balanced and rhythmic sentence. It improves clarity, readability, and emphasizes the connection between the elements. Parallel sentence structure results in more effective and engaging writing.
9. What is parallelism in literature?
In literature, parallelism is a powerful stylistic device used to create emphasis, rhythm, and balance in sentences or passages. Authors use parallel structure to highlight comparisons, contrasts, or build a sense of momentum. Famous examples can be found in speeches, poetry, and prose from various literary periods. It is a key element of rhetorical devices.
10. What is parallelism in biology?
In biology, parallelism refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in different species. This contrasts with homology, where similar traits are inherited from a common ancestor. Parallel evolution often occurs due to similar environmental pressures, resulting in analogous structures. This is unrelated to parallelism in grammar or literature.
11. Parallelism examples in literature
Examples of parallelism in literature are abundant. Consider the repetition of sentence structure in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Shakespeare's sonnets often use parallel structure to create rhythm and rhyme. Many famous quotes utilize parallelism for impact and memorability. Analyzing the use of parallelism is a key component of literary analysis.
