Parallel structure

The rule in one minute

When you join two or more items in a list, a pair or a comparison, they should have the same grammatical form. If the first is a noun, the others should be nouns. If the first is an -ing word, the others should be -ing words.

The course teaches reading, writing and speaking. All three are -ing words, so the sentence is balanced. The course teaches reading, writing and to speak is not, because the last item does not match.

Pairs follow the same rule. After both… and, not only… but also and either… or, the two halves should match. Write not only to teach but also to inspire, not not only teaching but also to inspire.

In comparisons, the two things you compare should also use matching grammar, so the reader can see them side by side.

Why it costs marks

A broken parallel is an accuracy error. A list that changes form halfway looks careless in First Language and ESL writing.

Parallelism is also a classic persuasive device. Balanced phrases are rhythmic and easy to remember, which is why speeches and strong argument essays use them.

So mastering this removes a common error and gives you a useful technique at the same time.

Wrong and right

• Wrong: He enjoys hiking, swimming and to read. Right: He enjoys hiking, swimming and reading.
• Wrong: The job requires patience, being organised and to communicate well. Right: The job requires patience, organisation and clear communication.
• Wrong: She was praised not only for her talent but also because she worked hard. Right: She was praised not only for her talent but also for her hard work.
• Wrong: The plan was cheaper, faster and it caused less disruption. Right: The plan was cheaper, faster and less disruptive.
• Deliberate and strong: We can complain about the problem, ignore the problem, or solve the problem. The repeated pattern drives the point home.

Try it yourself

Fix the broken parallel in each sentence, then check below.

1. The workshop taught us to plan, drafting and how we should edit.
2. Reading widely improves your vocabulary, comprehension and helps your writing.
3. She is not only a talented artist but also she teaches well.
4. The holiday was relaxing, affordable and we had good weather.

Answers: (1) The workshop taught us to plan, draft and edit. (2) Reading widely improves your vocabulary, comprehension and writing. (3) She is not only a talented artist but also a gifted teacher. (4) The holiday was relaxing, affordable and sunny.

Make it a habit

Read each list and test every item in the same slot. Take the sentence start and try each item after it: He enjoys… hiking / swimming / to read. The item that does not fit is the break. Change it to match.

Watch the paired words both… and, not only… but also and either… or. They promise balance, so a mismatch is easy to see.

Once your accuracy is secure, use parallelism on purpose. When you want a point to stick in an argument, write it as a balanced pair or a group of three.

Where students get stuck, and how we help

Students usually start a list well and then change form near the end, especially in long sentences. In our writing paper lessons, a teacher marks broken parallels in your own writing and shows how to turn the same pattern into a deliberate effect.

Lessons start from RM70/hr. You can book a paid one-hour trial to try it.

Next step

Practise balancing lists in the practice area. Then read about sentence variety and connectives and cohesion. Our skills guides show how persuasive writing uses this pattern.

Next, visit our original practice tasks to use the rule in your own writing. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.