Parallel Structure
• EXPLANATION: Parallel structure means
using the same pattern of words to show
that two or more ideas have the same
level of importance. This can happen at
the word, phrase, or clause level. The
usual way to join parallel structures is with
the use of coordinating conjunctions such
as "and" or "or."
Examples of Parallel Structure
Examples of Parallel Structure
Choose the sentence that has no
errors in structure.
A) Eileen bought new shoes for the party, a gold
charm for her mother, and to treat her best
friend Maria to lunch.
B) Eileen decided to buy new shoes for the party,
purchasing a gold charm for her mother, and
treating her best friend Maria to lunch.
C) Eileen purchased new shoes for the party, a
gold charm for her mother, and lunch for Maria,
her best friend.
Choose the sentence that has no
errors in structure.
•
•
•
Eileen bought new shoes for the party, a gold
charm for her mother, and to treat her best
friend Maria to lunch.
Eileen decided to buy new shoes for the party,
purchasing a gold charm for her mother, and
treating her best friend Maria to lunch.
Eileen purchased new shoes for the party, a
gold charm for her mother, and lunch for Maria,
her best friend.
Correct Parallel Structure
• Shane ate the pizza, wiped his lips, and
burped with contentment.
Incorrect Parallel Structure
• Shane ate the pizza, wiped his lips, and
burping with contentment.
Which uses correct parallel
structure?
A) Barking dogs, kittens that were meowing,
and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop
visitors.
B) Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and
squawking parakeets greet the pet shop
visitors.
C) Dogs that bark, kittens that meow, and
parakeets squawking greet the pet shop
visitors.
Which uses correct parallel
structure?
– Barking dogs, kittens that were meowing,
and squawking parakeets greet the pet shop
visitors.
– Barking dogs, meowing kittens, and
squawking parakeets greet the pet shop
visitors.
– Dogs that bark, kittens that meow, and
parakeets squawking greet the pet shop
visitors.
Video!
• http://www.lhsenglish.com/parallelstructure.html
Which sentence uses correct
parallel structure?
A) During class, Samuel spent his time flirting
with Brittany, eating candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
B) During class, Samuel spent his time flirting
with Brittney, he ate candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
C) During class, Samuel spent his time to flirt
with Brittney, to eat candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
Which sentence uses correct
parallel structure?
– During class, Samuel spent his time flirting
with Brittany, eating candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
– During class, Samuel spent his time flirting
with Brittney, he ate candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
– During class, Samuel spent his time to flirt
with Brittney, to eat candy, and doodling on
the assignment sheet.
Parallel Structure Practice
Directions: write the corrected sentence using parallel
structure.
1. Ashley likes to ski, swim, and jumping.
2. Joe likes walking, singing, and to drive.
3. Mary wanted to make sure she made her presentation
creatively, effectively and persuaded others.
4. Tim was considered to be a good employee because he
was never late, he was very motivated and he did not
lack initiative.
5. In the restroom, Tiffany was brushing her hair, freshened
her lip gloss, and took deep breaths, trying to work up
the courage to walk to her first speech class.
Parallel Structure Practice #2
Directions: correct the verbs in the sentence so that it contains parallel
structure.
Example: During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittany,
eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.
1. Ellen likes hiking, to attend the rodeo, and taking afternoon naps.
2. Javier likes to run, swim, and climbing.
3. My dog spent his afternoon chasing the cat, ate food, and napping in
the sun.
Parallel Structure Practice #3
Directions: correct the verbs in the sentence so that it contains parallel
structure.
Example: During class, Samuel spent his time flirting with Brittany,
eating candy, and doodling on the assignment sheet.
1.
After school, Manuel rode his bicycle, read a book, and went
swimming.
2.
At the fair, Alex walked through the fun house, went driving the
bumper cars, and ate cotton candy.
3.
Andrew enjoys going to the beach, eats hamburgers, and running
in the park.