Why Is Parallel Structure Important for Clear Communication?

Parallel structure is crucial for clear communication because it helps readers understand complex ideas by presenting them in a consistent and organized way. This structure makes it easier for readers to follow along and retain information.

A consistent structure also helps to establish credibility and authority in writing. As seen in the example of the Declaration of Independence, where the list of grievances against King George III is presented in a parallel structure, it conveys a sense of importance and gravity.

This is because parallel structure helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow in writing, making it more engaging and easier to read. In the example of the Gettysburg Address, the repetition of the phrase "We cannot dedicate" creates a sense of rhythm that emphasizes the importance of the occasion.

Parallel structure is all about creating balance and clarity in your writing. It involves using similar or repeated grammatical structure across words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

Using adjectives in a list can be tricky, but a key aspect of parallel structure is that you can remove them altogether if you want to. This is because parallel structure is about balance, not about listing every single detail.

A good example of parallel structure is the phrase "Easy come, easy go." It's not just about repeating the same word, but about creating a rhythm and making ideas easier to grasp and remember.

In contrast, simple repetition, like repeating a word, doesn't quite have the same effect. For instance, "You are a fool, a fool, a fool!" may drive the point home, but it's not as elegant or harmonious as true parallelism.

Parallel structure can also be used to create emphasis and contrast, like in the example "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." This kind of structure elevates the expression and makes it more memorable.

Parallel structure is a powerful tool that can captivate and guide an audience's focus toward the core message. It's a favorite tool of speakers and writers alike, simplifying structures to boost readability and breathe rhythm, harmony, and balance into language.

Parallelism shines a light on the ties between ideas, whether tangible or abstract, spotlighting their similarities and disparities with ease. This makes it an essential element in comparisons, where parallel structure helps to make the comparison clear and direct.

By using parallel structure, writers can inject pace, poetic flair, and emphasis directly into the fabric of their language. This is achieved through the deliberate repetition of elements, such as words or phrases.

Parallelism can also be used to intentionally jarring your reader with faulty parallelism, which can halt readers, prompting reflection, laughter, or a moment of wonder through clever wordplay or humorous twists.

Here are some common uses of parallelism in academic writing:

Fixing faulty parallelism often requires deconstructing the sentence into its parts to verify the balance (or lack thereof). Consistency in the use of adjectives or noun phrases can be easy to spot and correct.

Lack of parallelism can happen in many ways, but the mistake is usually clear enough to make you wince when you hear it. Practicing and competing are gerunds (verbs functioning as nouns) and "to eat" is an infinitive, making the sentence sound awkward.

Faulty parallelism can lead to awkward sentences, like the one about being an athlete with a sweet tooth. Lamb chops and Brussels sprouts are nouns, but to fry is a verb, highlighting the importance of parallel structure.

Examples of faulty parallelism include sentences with different verb forms, such as Sally likes line dancing and writing poetry, which is actually a correct example of parallel structure, but it's balanced with two gerunds.

Lack of parallelism can make your writing sound awkward, like being an athlete with a sweet tooth. Practicing and competing are gerunds, while "to eat" is an infinitive, making the sentence sound unnatural.

A common mistake is listing items with varying grammatical structures. For example, "Dictionaries are useful for learning to spell correctly and to prop open windows" is incorrect, while "Dictionaries are useful for learning to spell correctly and propping open windows" is correct.

Including prepositions at the beginning of a list can be tricky. If a list begins with a preposition, either include it only at the beginning or before every item. Here are some examples:

Faulty parallel structure can also occur with correlative conjunctions. For instance, "Among many cultures, rites of passage can involve feats of courage and sometimes even doing dangerous things" is incorrect, while "Among many cultures, rites of passage can involve feats of courage and sometimes even dangerous things" is correct.

Mismatched parts of speech can make your writing sound awkward and unclear. This mistake occurs when different parts of speech are used in a list or sentence that aims for parallel structure.

For instance, in the sentence "What's the adverb of 'pizzazz'?" both "deftly" (adverb) and "with pizzazz" (a prepositional phrase) need to be the same part of speech for the sentence to be properly parallel. This means that using two nouns, like "pizzazz" and "pizzazzilly", won't cut it.

In lists, mismatched parts of speech can lead to a jarring effect. For example, if you start a list with a noun, all the items should be nouns. But if you mix in a verb or an infinitive, it can throw off the parallel structure.

To avoid mismatched parts of speech, make sure to use consistent forms throughout your sentence or list. If you're listing activities, use gerunds (verbs in their -ing form that act as a noun) consistently, like in the example "Paul likes dancing, swimming, and running."

Here are some examples of mismatched parts of speech:

By being mindful of mismatched parts of speech, you can create more cohesive and effective writing that engages your readers.