Parallelism

Parallelism is the use of matching or balanced grammatical structures in nearby phrases, clauses or sentences, so that similar ideas are expressed in a similar form. This balance creates rhythm, clarity and a sense of order. It can make ideas feel connected or weighed against each other.

Parallelism is common in persuasive writing, speeches and formal prose, where the neat, patterned structure sounds controlled and memorable. It works closely with repetition and the rule of three. It helps a reader see the relationship between ideas that are set out in the same shape.

In the reading paper, spot parallelism and explain how the balanced structure creates rhythm or links ideas. This shows sophisticated analysis of style. In your own persuasive and formal writing, using parallel structures makes your sentences sound controlled and rhythmic, which examiners reward.

Recognising parallelism also helps your accuracy. Faulty parallelism, where a list or pair does not match in form, is a common structural error worth correcting.

The phrase easy to start, hard to finish, and impossible to forget uses matching structures to balance three ideas neatly and make them memorable.

In analysis, point out the matching structures and explain how the balance creates rhythm, order or a link between ideas. In your own writing, use parallel structures to make lists and paired ideas sound controlled and memorable. Check that each part of a pair or list has the same grammatical form.

Faulty parallelism jars, so correct it when proofreading.

You may also find writing formats and annotated model responses useful. Next, visit our skills guides for IGCSE English to see terms like this used in real answers. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.