Parallel structure means writing similar sentence elements in the same form. These elements can be words, phrases and clauses. Writing lacking parallel structure is choppy, disjointed and difficult to understand. Writing using parallel structure has flow, consistence and easy readability.

Word example

Lacking parallelism: Johns favorite sports are golfing, to fish, and going swimming.

Parallel: Johns favorite sports are golfing, fishing, and swimming.

Phrase example

Lacking parallelism: Our meeting agenda included screening new applicants and a review of department policies.

Parallel: Our meeting agenda included screening new applicants and reviewing department policies.

Clause example

Lacking parallelism: Dan caught the flight to Denver, but then his flight to Dallas was missed.

Parallel Dan caught the flight to Denver, but then he missed his flight to Dallas.

Directions:

1. Read carefully each sentence and locate the pair or list.
2. Rewrite each sentence using parallel structure writing similar sentence elements in the same form. (Hint: Make sure each item in pair/list matches the format of the basic sentence.)

1. Good writing results when writers focus on proofreading, to edit, and the revision of their documents.

2. The associate dean must approve pay raises, schedule classes, and when the dean is unavailable take her place.

3. The film lacked a clear story line, logical transitions, and the dialogue was unbelievable

4. The ship is used for bringing employees to the work site, delivering equipment and the transport of supplies.

5. The vice president demands that meetings start on time, they focus on the agenda, and they end on time as well.