Editing for Parallelism
Sara Selby & Chris Tognocchi
What is Parallel Structure
Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with elements in lists or in a series.
Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with elements being compared.
Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of being.
Parallel Structure
Use parallel structure with elements joined by a correlative conjunction.
How to Edit for Parallel Structure
Editing for Parallel Structure
Convert items from a series into a list to reveal faulty parallelism.
Editing for Parallel Structure
Using a planner can help you manage your time, organize your tasks, keep track of appointments, for school and my personal life, and list my assignments.
●manage your time●organize your tasks●keep track of appointments●for school and my personal life●list my assignments
Editing for Parallel Structure
Using a planner can help you manage your time, organize your tasks, keep track of appointments for school and my personal life, and list my assignments.
●manage your time●organize your tasks●keep track of appointments for school and my personal life●list my assignments
Editing for Parallel Structure
Check for verb tense.
●Present vs Past Tense●Active vs Passive Voice
Editing for Parallel Structure
Check sentences mixed with clauses or phrases.
●Mixing noun clauses●Mixing clauses or phrases with sentences
Faulty Parallelism Exercise
Faulty Parallelism1. In order for you to buy a house, you must save money or it will be necessary for you
to borrow from a lender.
Faulty Parallelism1. In order for you to buy a house, you must save money or it will be necessary for you
to borrow from a lender.
ANSWER:
1. In order for you to buy a house, you must save money or borrow from a lender.
Faulty Parallelism2. My son's graduation means that he will be moving to another state and take his
motorcycle with him.
Faulty Parallelism2. My son's graduation means that he will be moving to another state and take his
motorcycle with him.
ANSWER:
2. My son's graduation means that he will be moving to another state and taking his motorcycle with him.
Faulty Parallelism3. Aerobic exercises like distance running, swimming, cycling, and long walks are a
good example of healthy living.
Faulty Parallelism3. Aerobic exercises like distance running, swimming, cycling, and long walks are a
good example of healthy living.
ANSWER:
3. Aerobic exercises like distance running, swimming, cycling, and walking are a good example of healthy living.
Faulty Parallelism4. Taking too many vitamins can be as harmful as not to consume enough.
Faulty Parallelism4. Taking too many vitamins can be as harmful as not to consume enough.
ANSWER:
4. Taking too many vitamins can be as harmful as not consuming enough.
Faulty Parallelism5. A student is not only responsible to their professors but also their classmates, and
their parents as well.
Faulty Parallelism5. A student is not only responsible to their professors but also their classmates, and
their parents as well.
ANSWER:
5. A student is responsible not only to their professors but also to their classmates and parents.
Faulty Parallelism6. During Shay’s Rebellion, the farmers had gathered outside the public buildings was
loud and they were angry.
Faulty Parallelism6. During Shay’s Rebellion, the farmers had gathered outside the public buildings was
loud and they were angry.
ANSWER:
6. During Shay’s Rebellion, the farmers had gathered outside the public buildings were loud and angry.
Parallel Structure Exercise
Parallel Structure1. When I was a child, I loved to play in the woods, climb trees, and _____ rocks down
by the river.
Parallel Structure1. When I was a child, I loved to play in the woods, climb trees, and _____ rocks down
by the river.
ANSWER:
1. When I was a child, I loved to play in the woods, climb trees, and skip rocks down by the river.
Parallel Structure2. I still enjoy playing in the woods, climbing trees, and _____ rocks down by the river.
Parallel Structure2. I still enjoy playing in the woods, climbing trees, and _____ rocks down by the river.
ANSWER:
2. I still enjoy playing in the woods, climbing trees, and skipping rocks down by the river.
Parallel Structure3. Ciarra danced in a play and then _____ a song that made me cry.
Parallel Structure3. Ciarra danced in a play and then _____ a song that made me cry.
ANSWER:
3. Ciarra danced in a play and then sang a song that made me cry.
Parallel Structure4. Ciarra said that she wanted to dance in the play and then _____ a song that would
make me cry.
Parallel Structure4. Ciarra said that she wanted to dance in the play and then _____ a song that would
make me cry.
ANSWER:
4. Ciarra said that she wanted to dance in the play and then sing a song that would make me cry.
Parallel Structure5. My children spent the afternoon playing Bloodborne, watching YouTube videos, and
_____ pizza.
Parallel Structure5. My children spent the afternoon playing Bloodborne, watching YouTube videos, and
_____ pizza.
ANSWER:
5. My children spent the afternoon playing Bloodborne, watching YouTube videos, and eating pizza.
Parallel Structure6. If you want to learn how to play Bloodborne, watch YouTube videos, or _____ pizza,
spend an afternoon with my children.
Parallel Structure6. If you want to learn how to play Bloodborne, watch YouTube videos, or _____ pizza,
spend an afternoon with my children.
ANSWER:
6. If you want to learn how to play Bloodborne, watch YouTube videos, or eat pizza, spend an afternoon with my children.