Parallel Structure: Rules, Examples & How to Master It
Parallel structure — also called parallelism — means using the same grammatical form for elements that are equal in function. When you write a list of verbs, they should all be in the same tense. When you pair ideas with conjunctions, they should match in form. Breaking parallelism creates a stumble; maintaining it creates rhythm, clarity, and power.
What Is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure means that words, phrases, or clauses joined by conjunctions or listed in a series should share the same grammatical pattern. If one item is a noun, they should all be nouns. If one is an infinitive, they should all be infinitives. The principle applies to words, phrases, clauses, and even entire sentences.
Not Parallel
"She likes reading, writing, and to paint."
Two gerunds + one infinitive = broken pattern
Parallel
"She likes reading, writing, and painting."
Three gerunds = consistent pattern
Why Parallel Structure Matters
Rules of Parallel Structure
1. Items in a list must match in form
If one item is a gerund, all items should be gerunds. If one is a noun, all should be nouns. Don't mix infinitives, gerunds, and nouns in the same list.
2. Paired conjunctions require parallel elements
Correlative conjunctions — either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and, whether...or — must join elements of the same grammatical type. Whatever follows the first conjunction must match the form of whatever follows the second.
3. Comparisons must compare parallel elements
When using than or as, the elements on both sides must be grammatically equivalent. "She is better at writing than painting" (two gerunds) rather than "She is better at writing than to paint" (gerund vs infinitive).
4. Headings and bullet points should be parallel
If your first heading starts with a verb, all headings should start with a verb. If your first bullet point is a noun phrase, all should be noun phrases. This is especially important in outlines, presentations, and non-fiction.
Examples: Correct vs Incorrect
Items in a list
She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
She likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Clauses in a series
The coach told the players that they should get plenty of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises.
The coach told the players that they should get plenty of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises.
Gerunds in a list
The project requires planning, designing, and the implementation of the system.
The project requires planning, designing, and implementing the system.
Correlative conjunctions (not only...but also)
He is not only a talented writer but also paints well.
He is not only a talented writer but also a skilled painter.
Correlative conjunctions (either...or)
You can either take the bus or the train is an option.
You can take either the bus or the train.
Nouns paired with conjunctions
The job requires experience and being creative.
The job requires experience and creativity.
Adjectives in a series
She was intelligent, hardworking, and showed great ambition.
She was intelligent, hardworking, and ambitious.
Subordinate clauses
The teacher said that the exam would be long, that it would be difficult, and covering several chapters.
The teacher said that the exam would be long, that it would be difficult, and that it would cover several chapters.
Verbs in a series
I came, I saw, and the situation was conquered by me.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
Predicate adjectives
The dog was large, had a friendly nature, and loyalty.
The dog was large, friendly, and loyal.
Parallel Structure in Famous Speeches
The most memorable lines in rhetorical history are built on parallel structure. The pattern creates momentum — each repetition adds weight, until the cumulative effect is overwhelming.
"I came, I saw, I conquered."
Julius Caesar
Three parallel independent clauses — subject + past-tense verb. The rhythm is the rhetoric.
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."
Winston Churchill
Relentless repetition of the same structure builds determination. The break in the final clause ("never surrender") creates emphasis through contrast.
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
John F. Kennedy
Chiasmus — a special form of parallelism where the structure is mirrored and the elements reversed.
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed... I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia... I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi..."
Martin Luther King Jr.
Anaphora — parallel repetition of an opening phrase. Each repetition intensifies the emotional power.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..."
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
Extended parallelism with contrasting pairs. The structure carries the reader forward; the contrasts create meaning.
"Yes we can. Yes we can. Yes we can."
Barack Obama
The simplest possible parallel structure — three identical clauses. The power is in the repetition itself.
How to Check Your Writing for Parallelism
Write With Rhythm and Clarity
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