Parallel Structure

Definition

Parallel structure is a grammatical technique that involves using the same pattern of words to create balance and clarity in writing. This technique helps in improving readability and emphasizes the ideas presented, making the text more persuasive and easier to follow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Using parallel structure can significantly enhance the rhythm of your writing, making it more engaging for readers.
2. It's especially effective in lists, speeches, and persuasive writing, where clear comparisons are needed.
3. When verbs, nouns, or phrases are parallel, it helps readers understand the relationship between different parts of a sentence.
4. Inconsistent use of parallel structure can confuse readers and detract from the overall message of the writing.
5. Editing for parallel structure often involves rephrasing sentences to ensure all elements match in form and style.

Review Questions

• How does parallel structure contribute to clarity and readability in writing?
  • Parallel structure contributes to clarity and readability by ensuring that similar ideas are expressed in a consistent format. This uniformity allows readers to easily identify connections between related concepts, improving their understanding of the text. When ideas are presented in parallel form, it also enhances the flow of writing, making it more engaging and less confusing.
• In what ways can you identify instances of poor parallel structure during proofreading?
  • To identify poor parallel structure during proofreading, look for lists or series within sentences where the items do not match in grammatical form. Check if verbs are consistently in the same tense, or if adjectives follow a similar pattern. Additionally, reading sentences out loud can help reveal awkwardness or imbalance that might indicate a lack of parallelism.
• Evaluate the impact of using parallel structure on the effectiveness of persuasive writing.
  • Using parallel structure in persuasive writing greatly enhances its effectiveness by creating a rhythm that reinforces key arguments. It draws attention to important points and makes them memorable for the audience. When used effectively, parallel structure not only clarifies relationships between ideas but also adds a rhetorical strength that can influence readers’ responses and support persuasion goals.

Related terms

Antithesis: A rhetorical device that contrasts opposing ideas within a balanced structure, often to highlight differences.

List: A series of related items or ideas presented in a sequence, often utilizing parallel structure to enhance clarity.

Repetition:

The deliberate use of the same word or phrase multiple times to emphasize a point or idea, which can work hand-in-hand with parallel structure.