Faulty Parallelism

The man at the desk ordered the naughty kid to behave, to sit down and that he should wait until he was spoken to. The speakers at the seminar talked about the matters like political stability, social ineqality and economical revival of the thirdworld countries.

PARALLELISM Parallelism means using equivalent grammatical forms to express equivalent ideas. An equivalent grammatical form is a word or group of words that matches – is parallel to – the structure of a corresponding word or group of words.

Parallel Words 



Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and to cycle. Recommended exercise includes running, swimming, and cycling. (The ‘ing’ words are parallel in structure and equal in importance)

PARALLELISM

Parallel Phrases 



Exercise helps people to maintain healthy bodies and handling mental pressures. Exercise helps people to maintain healthy bodies and to handle mental pressures.

Parallel Clauses 

Many people begin to exercise because they want to look healthy, because they need to have stamina, and hoping to live longer.



Many people begin to exercise because they want to look healthy, because they need to have stamina, and because they hope to live longer.

PARALLELISM

How to Achieve Parallelism 1. When two or more ideas are parallel, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form, like;  This novel is not to be tossed lightly aside, but to be hurled with great force.  In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current. The stories are interesting, exciting and those fascinate me.  The stories are interesting, exciting and fascinating to/for me.

PARALLELISM

2. Balance parallel ideas linked with coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)  You come to understand what to expect when you tease a cat, or tossing a pebble in a pool, or touching a hot stove.  You come to understand what to expect when you tease a cat, toss a pebble in a pool, or touch a hot stove.  You come to understand what to expect when you are teasing a cat, tossing a pebble in a pool, or touching a hot stove. Theft, vandalism, and cheating can result suspension or even to be expelled from school.  suspension to be balanced with expulsion

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PARALLELISM

Hashim is responsible for stocking merchandise, writing orders for delivery, and sales of computers.  The word selling (computers) should replace sales. 

5. Balance parallel ideas linked with correlating conjunction (either – or, not only – but also…). Make sure that the grammatical structure following the first half of the pair is the same as that following the second half; Asad is not only a musician, but acting also interests him.  Asad is not only a musician but also an aspiring actor.

PARALLELISM

The shutters were not only too long but were also too wide.  …..but also too wide. 

I was advised either to change my flight or take the train.  …..or to take the train. 

4. Balance comparisons linked with ‘than’ or ‘as’. 

It is easier to speak in abstractions than grounding one’s thoughts in reality.

 (than to ground) 

Mother could not persuade him that giving is as much joy as to receive.

 (as receiving)

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