{"id":68,"date":"2014-07-18T19:26:34","date_gmt":"2014-07-18T19:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/successfulwriting\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=68"},"modified":"2015-03-19T22:04:24","modified_gmt":"2015-03-19T22:04:24","slug":"7-3-parallelism","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/chapter\/7-3-parallelism\/","title":{"raw":"7.3 Parallelism","rendered":"7.3 Parallelism"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Identify sentences that are parallel and not parallel.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Identify ways to create parallelism in writing.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Write and revise sentences using parallelism.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n\r\nEarlier in this chapter, we learned that increasing sentence variety adds interest to a piece of writing and makes the reading process more enjoyable for others. Using a mixture of sentence lengths and patterns throughout an essay is an important writing technique. However, it is equally important to avoid introducing variation within individual sentences. A strong sentence is composed of balanced parts that all have the same structure. In this section, we will examine how to create a balanced sentence structure by using <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">parallelism<\/span><\/span>.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Using Parallelism<\/h2>\r\nParallelism is the use of similar structure in related words, clauses, or phrases. It creates a sense of rhythm and balance within a sentence. As readers, we often correct <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">faulty parallelism<\/span><\/span>\u2014a lack of parallel structure\u2014intuitively because an unbalanced sentence sounds awkward and poorly constructed. Read the following sentences aloud:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Kelly had to iron, do the washing, and shopping before her parents arrived.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Driving a car requires coordination, patience, and to have good eyesight.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Ali prefers jeans to wearing a suit.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nAll of these sentences contain faulty parallelism. Although they are factually correct, the construction is clunky and confusing. In the first example, three different verb forms are used. In the second and third examples, the writer begins each sentence by using a noun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">coordination<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">jeans<\/em>), but ends with a phrase (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have good eyesight<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">wearing a suit<\/em>). Now read the same three sentences that have correct parallelism.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Kelly had to do the ironing, washing, and shopping before her parents arrived.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Driving a car requires coordination, patience, and good eyesight.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Ali prefers wearing jeans to wearing a suit.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nWhen these sentences are written using a parallel structure, they sound more aesthetically pleasing because they are balanced. Repetition of grammatical construction also minimizes the amount of work the reader has to do to decode the sentence. This enables the reader to focus on the main idea in the sentence and not on how the sentence is put together.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nA simple way to check for parallelism in your writing is to make sure you have paired nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, and so on. Underline each element in a sentence and check that the corresponding element uses the same grammatical form.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using Coordinating Conjunctions<\/h2>\r\nWhen you connect two clauses using a coordinating conjunction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">for<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">nor<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">but<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">yet<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">so<\/em>), make sure that the same grammatical structure is used on each side of the conjunction. Take a look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> When I walk the dog, I like <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">to listen to music<\/strong> and <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">talking to friends<\/strong> on the phone.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> When I walk the dog, I like <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">listening to music<\/strong> and <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">talking to friends<\/strong> on the phone.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe first sentence uses two different verb forms (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">to listen<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">talking<\/em>). In the second sentence, the grammatical construction on each side of the coordinating conjunction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>) is the same, creating a parallel sentence.\r\n\r\nThe same technique should be used for joining items or lists in a series:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> This committee needs to decide whether the company should <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">reduce its workforce, cut its benefits,<\/strong> or <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">lowering workers\u2019 wages<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> This committee needs to decide whether the company should <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">reduce its workforce, cut its benefits,<\/strong> or <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">lower workers\u2019 wages<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe first sentence contains two items that use the same verb construction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">reduce<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cut<\/em>) and a third item that uses a different verb form (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">lowering<\/em>). The second sentence uses the same verb construction in all three items, creating a parallel structure.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 1<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using coordinating conjunctions.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Mr. Holloway enjoys reading and to play his guitar at weekends.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The doctor told Mrs. Franklin that she should either eat less or should exercise more.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Breaking out of the prison compound, the escapees moved carefully, quietly, and were quick on their feet.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>I have read the book, but I have not watched the movie version.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Deal with a full inbox first thing in the morning, or by setting aside short periods of time in which to answer e-mail queries.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using <em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">Than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">As<\/em><\/h2>\r\nWhen you are making a comparison, the two items being compared should have a parallel structure. Comparing two items without using parallel structure can lead to confusion about what is being compared. Comparisons frequently use the words <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>, and the items on each side of these comparison words should be parallel. Take a look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism: Swimming in the ocean<\/strong> is much tougher than <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">a pool<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism: Swimming in the ocean<\/strong> is much tougher than <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">swimming in a pool<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the first sentence, the elements before the comparison word (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em>) are not equal to the elements after the comparison word. It appears that the writer is comparing an action (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">swimming<\/em>) with a noun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">a pool<\/em>). In the second sentence, the writer uses the same grammatical construction to create a parallel structure. This clarifies that an action is being compared with another action.\r\n\r\nTo correct some instances of faulty parallelism, it may be necessary to add or delete words in a sentence.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism: A brisk walk<\/strong> is as beneficial to your health as <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">going for a run<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism: Going for a brisk walk<\/strong> is as beneficial to your health as <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">going for a run<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn this example, it is necessary to add the verb phrase <em class=\"im_emphasis\">going for<\/em> to the sentence in order to clarify that the act of walking is being compared to the act of running.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 2<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>I would rather work at a second job to pay for a new car than a loan.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>How you look in the workplace is just as important as your behavior.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The firefighter spoke more of his childhood than he talked about his job.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Indian cuisine is far tastier than the food of Great Britain.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Jim\u2019s opponent was as tall as Jim and he carried far more weight.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using Correlative Conjunctions<\/h2>\r\nA <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">correlative conjunction<\/span><\/span> is a paired conjunction that connects two equal parts of a sentence and shows the relationship between them. Common correlative conjunctions include the following:\r\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li>either\u2026or<\/li>\r\n\t<li>not only\u2026but also<\/li>\r\n\t<li>neither\u2026nor<\/li>\r\n\t<li>whether\u2026or<\/li>\r\n\t<li>rather\u2026than<\/li>\r\n\t<li>both\u2026and<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nCorrelative conjunctions should follow the same grammatical structure to create a parallel sentence. Take a look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> We can neither <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">wait<\/strong> for something to happen nor <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">can we take<\/strong> evasive action.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> We can neither <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">wait<\/strong> for something to happen nor <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">take<\/strong> evasive action.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nWhen using a correlative conjunction, the words, phrases, or clauses following each part should be parallel. In the first sentence, the construction of the second part of the sentence does not match the construction of the first part. In the second sentence, omitting needless words and matching verb constructions create a parallel structure. Sometimes, rearranging a sentence corrects faulty parallelism.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> It was both a long movie and poorly written.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> The movie was both long and poorly written.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nTo see examples of parallelism in use, read some of the great historical speeches by rhetoricians such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Notice how they use parallel structures to emphasize important points and to create a smooth, easily understandable oration.\r\n\r\nHere is a link to text, audio, video, and the music of Martin Luther King\u2019s speech \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d: <a class=\"im_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.mlkonline.net\/dream.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.mlkonline.net\/dream.html<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\"><section id=\"glossary\">\r\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\r\n\r\nSpeechwriters use parallelism not only within sentences but also throughout paragraphs and beyond. Repeating particular key phrases throughout a speech is an effective way of tying a paragraph together as a cohesive whole and creating a sense of importance. This technique can be adapted to any piece of writing, but it may be especially useful for creating a proposal or other type of persuasive workplace document.\r\n\r\nNote that the spelling and grammar checker on most word processors will not draw attention to faulty parallelism. When proofreading a document, read it aloud and listen for sentences that sound awkward or poorly phrased.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 3<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using correlative conjunctions.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_l02\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>The cyclist owns both a mountain bike and has a racing bike.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The movie not only contained lots of action, but also it offered an important lesson.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>My current job is neither exciting nor is it meaningful.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Jason would rather listen to his father than be taking advice from me.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>We are neither interested in buying a vacuum cleaner nor do we want to utilize your carpet cleaning service.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 4<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n06\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nRead through the following excerpt from Alex\u2019s essay and revise any instances of faulty parallelism. Rewrite the sentences to create a parallel structure.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/49c20c676866b42d733ca5722754084a.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_49c20c676866b42d733ca5722754084a.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n07\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\"><\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\"><section id=\"glossary\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Parallelism creates a sense of rhythm and balance in writing by using the same grammatical structure to express equal ideas.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Faulty parallelism occurs when elements of a sentence are not balanced, causing the sentence to sound clunky and awkward.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Parallelism may be created by connecting two clauses or making a list using coordinating conjunctions; by comparing two items using <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>; or by connecting two parts of a sentence using correlative conjunctions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Identify sentences that are parallel and not parallel.<\/li>\n<li>Identify ways to create parallelism in writing.<\/li>\n<li>Write and revise sentences using parallelism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<p>Earlier in this chapter, we learned that increasing sentence variety adds interest to a piece of writing and makes the reading process more enjoyable for others. Using a mixture of sentence lengths and patterns throughout an essay is an important writing technique. However, it is equally important to avoid introducing variation within individual sentences. A strong sentence is composed of balanced parts that all have the same structure. In this section, we will examine how to create a balanced sentence structure by using <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">parallelism<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Using Parallelism<\/h2>\n<p>Parallelism is the use of similar structure in related words, clauses, or phrases. It creates a sense of rhythm and balance within a sentence. As readers, we often correct <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">faulty parallelism<\/span><\/span>\u2014a lack of parallel structure\u2014intuitively because an unbalanced sentence sounds awkward and poorly constructed. Read the following sentences aloud:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Kelly had to iron, do the washing, and shopping before her parents arrived.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Driving a car requires coordination, patience, and to have good eyesight.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> Ali prefers jeans to wearing a suit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>All of these sentences contain faulty parallelism. Although they are factually correct, the construction is clunky and confusing. In the first example, three different verb forms are used. In the second and third examples, the writer begins each sentence by using a noun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">coordination<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">jeans<\/em>), but ends with a phrase (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">to have good eyesight<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">wearing a suit<\/em>). Now read the same three sentences that have correct parallelism.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Kelly had to do the ironing, washing, and shopping before her parents arrived.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Driving a car requires coordination, patience, and good eyesight.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> Ali prefers wearing jeans to wearing a suit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>When these sentences are written using a parallel structure, they sound more aesthetically pleasing because they are balanced. Repetition of grammatical construction also minimizes the amount of work the reader has to do to decode the sentence. This enables the reader to focus on the main idea in the sentence and not on how the sentence is put together.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>A simple way to check for parallelism in your writing is to make sure you have paired nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, and so on. Underline each element in a sentence and check that the corresponding element uses the same grammatical form.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using Coordinating Conjunctions<\/h2>\n<p>When you connect two clauses using a coordinating conjunction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">for<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">nor<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">but<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">or<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">yet<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">so<\/em>), make sure that the same grammatical structure is used on each side of the conjunction. Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> When I walk the dog, I like <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">to listen to music<\/strong> and <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">talking to friends<\/strong> on the phone.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> When I walk the dog, I like <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">listening to music<\/strong> and <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">talking to friends<\/strong> on the phone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The first sentence uses two different verb forms (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">to listen<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">talking<\/em>). In the second sentence, the grammatical construction on each side of the coordinating conjunction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">and<\/em>) is the same, creating a parallel sentence.<\/p>\n<p>The same technique should be used for joining items or lists in a series:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> This committee needs to decide whether the company should <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">reduce its workforce, cut its benefits,<\/strong> or <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">lowering workers\u2019 wages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> This committee needs to decide whether the company should <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">reduce its workforce, cut its benefits,<\/strong> or <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">lower workers\u2019 wages<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The first sentence contains two items that use the same verb construction (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">reduce<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">cut<\/em>) and a third item that uses a different verb form (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">lowering<\/em>). The second sentence uses the same verb construction in all three items, creating a parallel structure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 1<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using coordinating conjunctions.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>Mr. Holloway enjoys reading and to play his guitar at weekends.<\/li>\n<li>The doctor told Mrs. Franklin that she should either eat less or should exercise more.<\/li>\n<li>Breaking out of the prison compound, the escapees moved carefully, quietly, and were quick on their feet.<\/li>\n<li>I have read the book, but I have not watched the movie version.<\/li>\n<li>Deal with a full inbox first thing in the morning, or by setting aside short periods of time in which to answer e-mail queries.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using <em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">Than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">As<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>When you are making a comparison, the two items being compared should have a parallel structure. Comparing two items without using parallel structure can lead to confusion about what is being compared. Comparisons frequently use the words <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>, and the items on each side of these comparison words should be parallel. Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism: Swimming in the ocean<\/strong> is much tougher than <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">a pool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism: Swimming in the ocean<\/strong> is much tougher than <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">swimming in a pool<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the first sentence, the elements before the comparison word (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em>) are not equal to the elements after the comparison word. It appears that the writer is comparing an action (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">swimming<\/em>) with a noun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">a pool<\/em>). In the second sentence, the writer uses the same grammatical construction to create a parallel structure. This clarifies that an action is being compared with another action.<\/p>\n<p>To correct some instances of faulty parallelism, it may be necessary to add or delete words in a sentence.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism: A brisk walk<\/strong> is as beneficial to your health as <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">going for a run<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism: Going for a brisk walk<\/strong> is as beneficial to your health as <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">going for a run<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this example, it is necessary to add the verb phrase <em class=\"im_emphasis\">going for<\/em> to the sentence in order to clarify that the act of walking is being compared to the act of running.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 2<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s02_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>I would rather work at a second job to pay for a new car than a loan.<\/li>\n<li>How you look in the workplace is just as important as your behavior.<\/li>\n<li>The firefighter spoke more of his childhood than he talked about his job.<\/li>\n<li>Indian cuisine is far tastier than the food of Great Britain.<\/li>\n<li>Jim\u2019s opponent was as tall as Jim and he carried far more weight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Creating Parallelism Using Correlative Conjunctions<\/h2>\n<p>A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">correlative conjunction<\/span><\/span> is a paired conjunction that connects two equal parts of a sentence and shows the relationship between them. Common correlative conjunctions include the following:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li>either\u2026or<\/li>\n<li>not only\u2026but also<\/li>\n<li>neither\u2026nor<\/li>\n<li>whether\u2026or<\/li>\n<li>rather\u2026than<\/li>\n<li>both\u2026and<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Correlative conjunctions should follow the same grammatical structure to create a parallel sentence. Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> We can neither <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">wait<\/strong> for something to happen nor <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">can we take<\/strong> evasive action.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> We can neither <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">wait<\/strong> for something to happen nor <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">take<\/strong> evasive action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>When using a correlative conjunction, the words, phrases, or clauses following each part should be parallel. In the first sentence, the construction of the second part of the sentence does not match the construction of the first part. In the second sentence, omitting needless words and matching verb constructions create a parallel structure. Sometimes, rearranging a sentence corrects faulty parallelism.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Faulty parallelism:<\/strong> It was both a long movie and poorly written.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Correct parallelism:<\/strong> The movie was both long and poorly written.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>To see examples of parallelism in use, read some of the great historical speeches by rhetoricians such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Notice how they use parallel structures to emphasize important points and to create a smooth, easily understandable oration.<\/p>\n<p>Here is a link to text, audio, video, and the music of Martin Luther King\u2019s speech \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d: <a class=\"im_link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.mlkonline.net\/dream.html\" target=\"_blank\">http:\/\/www.mlkonline.net\/dream.html<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<section id=\"glossary\">\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\n<p>Speechwriters use parallelism not only within sentences but also throughout paragraphs and beyond. Repeating particular key phrases throughout a speech is an effective way of tying a paragraph together as a cohesive whole and creating a sense of importance. This technique can be adapted to any piece of writing, but it may be especially useful for creating a proposal or other type of persuasive workplace document.<\/p>\n<p>Note that the spelling and grammar checker on most word processors will not draw attention to faulty parallelism. When proofreading a document, read it aloud and listen for sentences that sound awkward or poorly phrased.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 3<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, revise each of the following sentences to create parallel structure using correlative conjunctions.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_l02\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>The cyclist owns both a mountain bike and has a racing bike.<\/li>\n<li>The movie not only contained lots of action, but also it offered an important lesson.<\/li>\n<li>My current job is neither exciting nor is it meaningful.<\/li>\n<li>Jason would rather listen to his father than be taking advice from me.<\/li>\n<li>We are neither interested in buying a vacuum cleaner nor do we want to utilize your carpet cleaning service.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 4<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n06\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<p>Read through the following excerpt from Alex\u2019s essay and revise any instances of faulty parallelism. Rewrite the sentences to create a parallel structure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/49c20c676866b42d733ca5722754084a.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_49c20c676866b42d733ca5722754084a.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s03_s01_s03_n07\" class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\"><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<section id=\"glossary\">\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\n<ul>\n<li>Parallelism creates a sense of rhythm and balance in writing by using the same grammatical structure to express equal ideas.<\/li>\n<li>Faulty parallelism occurs when elements of a sentence are not balanced, causing the sentence to sound clunky and awkward.<\/li>\n<li>Parallelism may be created by connecting two clauses or making a list using coordinating conjunctions; by comparing two items using <em class=\"im_emphasis\">than<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">as<\/em>; or by connecting two parts of a sentence using correlative conjunctions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-68\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Successful Writing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":5,"menu_order":50,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Successful Writing\",\"author\":\"Anonymous\",\"organization\":\"Anonymous\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-68","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":243,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/68","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/68\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/68\/revisions\/403"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/243"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/68\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=68"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=68"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=68"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}