1、Parallel StructureWhat is parallel construction?Parallel construction is making your sentences have an even balance so it has a good flow for your readers (used with a series of phrases or clauses in sentences)Examples from the Masters“I got rhythmI got musicI got my man Who could ask for anything m
2、ore?”- George Gershwin“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure that survival and the success of liberty.”- John F. Kennedy“To be a woman is to have the same needs and longin
3、gs as a man.”- Liv UllmannParallel construction gives your writing:BalanceSymmetryConsistencyLogicParallel ConstructionThe Rule:Sentences, or parts of sentences that are connected by ideas, should be expressed in similar form.NounsCorrect:In understanding the importance of learningEnglish, Wanda wou
4、ld pay attention to herlistening, writing, reading, and speaking.Not correct:In understanding the importance of learningEnglish, Wanda would pay attention to herlistening, writing, reading, and whether she spokecorrectly. PhrasesCorrect:Wanda wanted to make a lot of money, buy stock, and retire earl
5、y.Not correct:Wanda wanted to make a lot of money, buystock, and she wanted to retire early.ClausesCorrect:Wanda believed that a healthy body wasimportant, that the only way to live was to playhard, and that knowledge was power.Not correct:Wanda believed that a healthy body wasimportant, that the on
6、ly way to live was to playhard, and gaining power through knowledge.Rule:If your sentence has matching conjunctions such as either-or, neither-nor, not only-but also, both-and, whether-or, make sure you match the parts on each side.Keep a balance and consistencyExamples:Correct:She stayed up late ei
7、ther studying herEnglish or going to parties.Not correct:She stayed up late either studying herEnglish or she would go to parties.Examples:Correct:Unlike her classmates, Wanda had motivation notonly to succeed at school but also to impress thewhole school with her personality.Not correct:Unlike her
8、classmates, Wanda had motivation notonly to succeed at school but also wanted toimpress the whole school with her personality.Each sentence has incorrect parallel construction. In your journals, rewrite each sentence and correct them.1. Wanda wanted to take on extra responsibilitiesat work such as w
9、riting reports, managing newemployees, and to plan events for the workers.2. She used her weekends to study hard, to exercise, to catch up on sleep, and for visiting friends she had not seen in a long time.3. Wanda hoped that she would get to dinner on time, and by arriving early she would sit next to the boy she likes, and that he would ask her on a date.
