Definition of parallelism
The balance between two or more similar words, phrases or clauses is called parallelism in grammar. Parallelism is also called parallel structure or parallel construction. Parallel construction prevents awkwardness, promotes clarity and improves writing style and readability.
Rules of parallelism are also described in the Microsoft writing style guide.
If you are interested to learn more concepts read our complete syllabus.
Examples:
- Debjani likes playing the piano, the trumpet and play the guitar.
Debjani likes the piano, the trumpet and the guitar.
Debjani likes playing the piano, the trumpet and the guitar. - She played basketball, had a shower and gone to school.
She played basketball, had a shower and went to school. - You can apply to the job by filling this form or apply by telephone.
You can apply to the job by filling this form or you can apply by telephone.
Rules of parallelism
- Parallelism is used to balance nouns with nouns, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, participles with participles, infinitives with infinitives, clauses with clauses.
- Parallelism is used with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.
Shipra likes cooking and to read.
Shipra likes cooking and reading. - Parallelism is used with elements in lists or in a series.
This task can be done individually, in pairs, or can be done in groups of four.
This task can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups of four. - Parallelism is used with elements being compared.
Navtez is mad about watching TV more than to read a book.
Navtez is mad about watching TV more than reading a book. - Parallelism is used with elements joined by a linking verb or a form of be
To learn is understanding the world.
To learn is to understand the world. - Parallelism is used with elements joined by linking words.
Rahul not only wants his students to keep quiet but also to do the task.
Rahul wants his students not only to keep quiet but also to do the task.
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