Parallelism
• is a stylistic arrangement in which
similar syntactic patterns repeat,
thus allowing reader or listener to
rely on the grammatical repetition to
echo the logical similarity of the
thought and thus improving the
clarity and efficiency of the passage:
In other words…
• An arrangement of words,
phrases, sentences, and
paragraphs so that elements
of equal importance are
equally developed and
similarly phrased.
Consider these examples!
• The new car was too small, too
brightly colored, and too expensive.
• He was tall and homely, and she was
short and pretty.
FAULTY PARALLELISM
• He likes to swim and diving too.
• He likes to swim and to dive.
or
• He likes swimming and diving.
Another Example…
My father is a teacher
very knowledgeable about
his subject and who
shows great enthusiasm
as well.
Say or write either
• My father is a teacher who is … and
who shows …
or
• My father is a teacher very
knowledgeable … and very
enthusiastic as well.
Examples in Reading
• Parallelism also refers to the repetition of
longer syntatical structures as well.
• The Scarlet Letter
– Passage 5: subordinate clauses
– Question 34
– Passage 6: introductory phrases
– Question 37
– Passage 7: predicate nominatives
– Question 50
If the latter possess native sagacity, and a nameless
something more, -- let us call it intuition; if he show
no intrusive egotism, nor disagreeably prominent
characteristics of his own; if he have the power,
which must be born with him, to bring his mind into
such affinity with his patient's, that this last shall
unawares have spoken what he imagines himself only
to have thought; if such revelations be received
without tumult, and acknowledged not so often by an
uttered sympathy, as by silence, an inarticulate
breath, and here and there a word, to indicate that
all is understood; if, to these qualifications of a
confidant be joined the advantages afforded by his
recognized character as a physician; -- then, at some
inevitable moment, will the soul of the sufferer be
dissolved, and flow forth in a dark, but transparent
stream, bringing all its mysteries into the daylight.
From Chapter 9 of The Scarlet Letter
• If the latter possess native sagacity, and a
nameless something more, -- let us call it
intuition;
• if he show no intrusive egotism, nor
disagreeably prominent
characteristics of his own;
• if he have the power, which must be born
with him, to bring his mind into such
affinity with his patient's, that this last
shall unawares have spoken what he
imagines himself only to have
thought;
• if such revelations be received without
tumult, and acknowledged not so often by
an uttered sympathy, as by silence, an
inarticulate breath, and here and there a
word, to indicate that all is understood;
• if, to these qualifications of a confidant be
joined the advantages afforded by his
recognized character as a physician;
• -- then, at some inevitable moment, will
the soul of the sufferer be dissolved, and
flow forth in a dark, but transparent
stream, bringing all its mysteries
into the daylight.
Group Assignment:
• You have one opportunity to address
someone (whoever you choose) about a
topic of your choice.
• Write ONE sentence.
– It must model parallelism.
– Repeats at least ONE syntatical structure
three consecutive times. (verbs, subordinate
clauses, etc.)
– Best sentence wins!!!