Parallelism in Sentence Correction | Parallel Structures

Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is a fundamental grammar rule that ensures clarity and balance in writing. It is widely tested in competitive exams, job interviews, and standardized tests like the SAT, GMAT, and GRE.

This article will break down parallelism, highlight common errors, and provide tips to help you ace sentence correction questions effortlessly.

What is Parallelism?

Parallelism means ensuring that similar elements in a sentence follow the same grammatical structure. This technique enhances readability, making sentences sound more natural and well-structured.

Correct Example:
“She enjoys reading, writing, and painting.”
(All elements – reading, writing, and painting – are in the same gerund (-ing) form.)

Incorrect Example:
“She enjoys reading, to write, and painting.”
(The elements are inconsistent: ‘reading’ (gerund), ‘to write’ (infinitive), and ‘painting’ (gerund).)

Types of Parallelism Errors in Sentence Correction

1. Parallelism in Lists & Series

When listing multiple items in a sentence, ensure all elements follow the same grammatical pattern.

Incorrect:
“The company values hard work, being dedicated, and employees who are honest.”
Correct:
“The company values hard work, dedication, and honesty.”

Tip: Identify the list and ensure all items share the same form.

2. Parallelism in Comparisons

When making comparisons using words like than or as, the sentence structure should remain parallel.

Incorrect:
“She is more interested in coding than to design websites.”
Correct:
“She is more interested in coding than in designing websites.”

Tip: Maintain consistency in verb forms or noun structures.

3. Parallelism in Correlative Conjunctions

Common correlative conjunctions:

• Either…or
• Neither…nor
• Not only…but also
• Both…and

Incorrect:
“He is not only talented but also has intelligence.”
Correct:
“He is not only talented but also intelligent.”

Tip: Ensure that both parts of the sentence mirror each other in structure.

Why is Parallelism Important?

• Improves Clarity – Parallel structures make sentences easier to understand.
• Enhances Flow – Balanced writing sounds more natural and engaging.
• Essential for Exams & Interviews – Many sentence correction questions test this concept.

Pro Tip: When proofreading, read sentences aloud to spot inconsistencies in structure.

Common Parallelism Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing verb forms (running, to swim, and biking instead of running, swimming, and biking).
• Using inconsistent noun structures (efficiency, being productive, and dedication instead of efficiency, productivity, and dedication).
• Breaking parallel structure in comparisons (more confident than being shy instead of more confident than shy).

Final Thoughts

Mastering parallelism is a game-changer for sentence correction. By ensuring consistency in structure, you’ll improve your writing clarity and boost your grammar skills.