Parallelism in writing refers to using similar grammatical structures, such as words, clauses, phrases, or sentence structure, to emphasize similar ideas in a sentence. The purpose of parallelism is to make writing effective, classy, and clear. Parallelism can make writing more forceful, interesting, and clear, and it helps to link related ideas and to emphasize the relationships between them. Achieving parallel structure ensures that similar clauses or phrases are uniform in expression and function.
Here are some examples of parallelism:
- Not parallel: The business accepts cash, credit cards, and you can even pay with a check.
- Parallel: The business accepts cash, credit cards, and checks.
- Not parallel: She aspires to finish college, and becoming an accountant would be another goal.
- Parallel: She aspires to finish college and become an accountant.
- Not parallel: Lily likes eating M&Ms and to binge-watch series on Netflix.
- Parallel: Lily likes eating M&Ms and binge-watching series on Netflix.
- Parallel: To increase strength and endurance, to maintain or lose weight, and to prevent heart disease.
- Parallel: Paul likes dancing, swimming, and running.
- Parallel: Paul likes to dance, swim, and run.
Parallelism can be used in various types of writing, including academic writing, creative writing, and speeches.
