Ambivalent conjuctions and Parallelism

Ambivalent conjuctions and Parallelism

1. Ambivalent

   • Examples
     • For example, the word "since" may mean (a) form the time when, or (b) due to the fact that. How is a Spanish interpreter to know whether to begin his sentence with "Desde que..." or "puesto que..." Rather than take a 50% chance of being wrong, it is better to delete the initial conjuction and insert the needed concept at a later point in the sentence:
     • Since my government began making contributions to this program 20 years ago, we will not stop supporting it now. Mi gobierno comenzò a contribuir a este programa hace 20 años; por consiguiente, no cesaremos de hacerlo hoy.
     • Since my government began making conntributions to this program 20 years ago, it has scored many successes. My gobierno comenzò a contribuir a este programa hace 20 años; desde entonces el programa ha registrado muchos logros.
   • It placed at the begining of a sentence can create problems in interpretation

2. Parallelism

   • It is a grammatical term for arranging words with syntectically accurate structure.
     • Examples
       • In the incorrect 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).  In the correct example, the list uses a parallel structure. The terms are parallel all three are gerunds.
   • Purpose
     • Parallel structure is paramount in good writing. Without it, writing is awkwarad.  Parallel structure improves coherence and consistency. Allow the following parallelism examples to illustrate.
     • Parallel Structure: To build a tree house, my dad purchased nails, wood, and rebar.
     • Poor structure : To build a tree house, my dad purchased some nails, lots of wood, and rebar.
   • Parallelism in Grammatical Structures
     • As we said above, parallelism is essential for clear, concise writing. This applies across a number of different grammatical units like list, phrases, clauses, etc.
       • When creating lists, the items in the list should be parallel. For example, in your list you might have noun, noun, and noun or adjetive, adjetive, and adjetive. *The fruit salad has pears, peaches and cherries. *The movie was thrilling, exciting, and suspenseful.
       • Examples
     • Parallel Examples with phrases
       • *Incorrect: Please place the leftover chicken on the counter or you can put it in the refrigerator. *Correct: Please place the leftover chicken on the counter or in the refrigerator
     • Parallel Examples with Clauses
       • *Incorrect: My parents did not approve of my actions or what I said. *Correct: My parents did not approve of what I did nor what I said.

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