Parallel Structure, Transitions, and Concision

Understanding and Using Parallel Structure

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical pattern for two or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. When elements perform the same role, matching their form gives your writing rhythm, balance, and clear organization. This balance enhances readability and reinforces persuasive arguments by making your points easy to follow.

Items in a list or series should have compatible grammatical roles and reasonably parallel forms, though they need not have identical structures. Items in a list should have parallel grammatical roles, but they need not all be single nouns, gerunds, or infinitive phrases. Faulty parallelism occurs when an author mixes different grammatical structures, such as combining an infinitive with a gerund in the same list. Keeping each item matched keeps the reader focused on your ideas rather than a jarring shift in grammar.

Coordinated verbs should also use parallel forms. However, their tenses may differ when the times of the actions differ. When one preposition applies to every item in a series, it may be stated once before the entire list or repeated before each item for clarity. Repeating key sentence structures across paragraphs can unify supporting points in a persuasive essay.