EDITING SENTENCE PARALLELISM PROBLEMS
Parallelism is the term used to describe how writers give similar grammatical structure to
sentence elements, whether these elements be words, phrases, and/or clauses. Examine the
following sentences for parallelism.
Parallel: To become a proficient writer, one must analyze the assignment, develop ideas, write a
rough draft, and take criticism during peer critique.
Not parallel: To write a rough draft and thinking about revisions take time.
Parallel: Writing rough drafts and thinking about revisions take time.
Parallel: To write a rough draft and to think about revisions take time.
Sentences for editing:
1. Our class discussed several strategies for developing ideas, drafting an essay, and that
editing has its own strategies.
2. The peer critique group discussed several content questions and organization problems,
and the topic of sentence clarity was also discussed.
3. The peer group not only examined the rough draft for content and also organization.
4. Mike’s childhood and family memoir is clear, effective, and it reads with grace.
5. Sharon enjoys freewriting and to make a discovery draft.
6. The 1301 students must freewrite on a topic, consider the writing purpose, and they have
to come to class with a rough draft.
7. Reading, freewriting, and to write a rough draft are my homework projects for today.
8. The A+ essay contains thoughtful content, logical organization, and they read smoothly
because of an effective style.
For further explanation and more help with parallelism, go to Grammar Bytes where you can
practice with interactive exercises and immediate feedback. Also visit the Capitol Community
College Guide to Writing (on-line handbook). Both these sites are under “Guides to Grammar
and Writing” on my Learning Web.