Want your sentences to sound smooth? Learn one rule … make the parts match. That’s parallel structure. Words that do the same job in a sentence should look the same.
Parallel structure (AKA parallelism or parallel construction) uses the same pattern in each part of a sentence, so no idea stands out more than the others.
Examples:
♦ Bad (not parallel):
She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.
♦ Good (parallel):
She likes hiking, swimming, and biking. (All -ing words)
She likes to hike, to swim, and to bike. (All “to + verb”)
Formula: Same job = same shape.
Why It Matters?
Clarity: Ideas line up and make sense.
Rhythm: Sentences sound balanced.
Power: Repeated form adds impact.
Polish: Parallelism makes you look pro.
Where Parallelism Appears
You can use parallelism at the word, phrase, or clause level to enhance style.
Words
You connect nouns to nouns, verbs to verbs, and so forth. Do not mix forms.
Examples
♦ Not parallel: We value honesty, to work hard, and kindness.
♦ Parallel: We value honesty, hard work, and kindness.
Related Reading: The Power of Word Choice: Finding the Words That Fit
Phrases
In phrases, you keep all items of the same type together.
Examples
♦ Not parallel: The hero needed to find the key, escaping the guards, and to unlock the gate.
♦ Parallel: The hero needed to find the key, to escape the guards, and to unlock the gate.
Clauses
In clauses, you match full clause patterns. If you don’t keep things consistent, you will break parallelism.
Examples
♦ Not parallel: The plan is that we launch on Monday and testing will continue.
♦ Parallel: The plan is that we launch on Monday and that we continue testing.
Parallelism, Conjunctions, and Comparisons
We also use parallelism with conjunctions and comparisons.
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are words that connect other words, phrases, or even complete sentences.
Make sure you balance both sides of:
♥ both / and → Both studying and sleeping help.
♥ either / or → You can either revise or rewrite.
♥ neither / nor → She is neither rushing nor panicking.
♥ not only / but also → He not only drafted the chapter but also edited it.
Comparisons (than / as)
When you compare adjectives we call it a comparison
Examples:
♦ Not parallel: I prefer reading to to cook.
♦ Parallel: I prefer reading to cooking.
Related Reading: Mastering the Colon
Parallelism after a Colon
A colon signifies that a list, an explanation, or examples will follow. Make sure the list uses the same structure, so it’s easy to read.
Lists After a Colon
After a colon, choose one form (nouns, -ing words, or “to + verb”) and stick to it.
Examples:
♦ Not parallel: She values three things: honesty, to work hard, and being kind.
♦ Parallel (all nouns): She values three things: honesty, hard work, and kindness.
♦ Parallel (all -ing words): She values three things: being honest, working hard, and being kind.
Phrases After a Colon
After a colon, phrases follow the same pattern as list.
Examples:
♦ Not parallel: The hero’s tasks were tough: to find the key, escaping the guards, to unlock the gate.
♦ Parallel (all “to + verb”): The hero’s tasks were tough: to find the key, to escape the guards, to unlock the gate.
Full Sentences After a Colon
If what follows the colon is a set of full sentences, keep their structure similar (same subject + verb pattern).
Examples
♦ Not parallel: The plan is simple: We launch Monday. Testing will continue. And to fix bugs.
♦ Parallel (all full sentences): The plan is simple: We launch Monday. We continue testing. We fix bugs.
Parallel Structure in Your Writing Life
Let’s talk about using parallel structure in our writing.
Titles & headings:
♥ Better: Plan, Draft, Revise
♥ Weaker: Planning, Draft, and Revision (mixed forms)
Resumes/bios:
Start each bullet with the same verb form:
♥ Led a team of beta readers
♥ Coordinated launch tasks
♥ Analyzed feedback trends
Academic/Nonfiction: Keep long comparisons lined up: This study shows that readers skim more and that short paragraphs help.
Fiction: Use parallel beats for rhythm: She tested the lock, checked the hall, and held her breath.
Common Mistakes (with Fixes)
Let’s look at some common errors we make with parallel structure.
Problem: Mixing Forms
Not parallel: Our goals are to hire, to train, and growth.
Fix: Our goals are to hire, to train, and to grow.
(or: hiring, training, and growing)
Problem: Correlative Slip-ups
Not parallel: She is not only smart but also works hard.
Fix A (adjectives): She is not only smart but also diligent.
Fix B (verbs): She not only is smart but also works hard.
Problem: Dangling Comparisons
Not parallel: I prefer to read rather than writing.
Fix: I prefer to read rather than to write.
(or: I prefer reading to writing.)
Problem: Uneven Clauses
Not parallel: He said that the scene was weak and we should cut it.
Fix: He said that the scene was weak and that we should cut it.
Quick Checklist
♥ Do my list items match in form?
♥ Do my correlative pairs mirror each other?
♥ Are my comparisons parallel?
♥ Do my bullets start the same way?
♥ Does the sentence sound balanced when I read it aloud?
Key Takeaways
1. Match forms after each comma or conjunction.
2. Choose one pattern and stick to it (all -ing, or all “to + verb”).
3. Mirror both sides of correlative pairs (both/and, either/or…).
4. Keep verbs consistent in lists.
5. Start bullets the same way in resumes, outlines, and slides.
Last Thoughts on Parallel Structure
Last Words
Parallel structure is simple: same job, same shape. It makes your writing clear, smooth, and strong.
Try this today: Pick one paragraph from your draft. Circle the conjunctions, label each item, and make the forms match. Your sentences will click into place … fast.
Happy writing!
Linda
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