TYPES OF PARALLELISM

TYPES OF PARALLELISM

1. Correct examples

   • I like fishing, swimming, and hiking.
     • In this example, the list uses a parallel structure. The terms are parallel—all three are gerunds.
   • To build a tree house, my dad purchased nails, wood, and rebar
     • If a writer uses adjectives in a list to describe a noun, he should use an adjective to describe every noun in the list.
   • The movie was thrilling, exciting, and suspenseful.
     • When creating lists, the items in the list should be parallel. For example, in your list you might have noun, noun, and noun or adjective, adjective, and adjective. 
   • I attended a conference, three weddings, and a bar mitzvah last summer
     • When creating lists, the items in the list should be parallel. For example, in your list you might have noun, noun, and noun or adjective, adjective, and adjective.

2. Incorrect examples

   • I like to fish, swimming, and to hike.
     • In this example, the list series does not use parallel structure. The terms are not parallel. There are two infinitives (to fish, to hike) and one gerund (swimming). This sentence is grammatically incorrect. 
   • To build a tree house, my dad purchased some nails, lots of wood, and rebar.
     • If a writer uses adjectives in a list to describe a noun, he should use an adjective to describe every noun in the list. Or, like the second example, remove the adjectives altogether. 
   • I taught my dog to speak, sitting, and rolling.
     •  The terms are not parallel—all three aren´t gerunds. This sentence is grammatically incorrect.
   • I attended a conference, weddings, and a bar mitzvah last summer
     • When creating lists, the items in the list should be parallel. For example, in your list you might have noun, noun, and noun or adjective, adjective, and adjective.

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