Deepen your understanding of Parallelism (Parallel Structure) and related English skills with these resources:
Keep lists, comparisons, and paired constructions in the same grammatical form - fix faulty parallelism like a pro.
Parallelism means that parts of a sentence that do the same job should have the same grammatical form. In simple lists, this usually means using the same part of speech for each item. For example, if you list activities, each item should be a gerund, such as reading, writing, and painting. Mixing forms, like reading, writing, and to paint, sounds uneven because the last item does not match the others. This rule also applies to phrases inside a sentence, especially after words such as and, or, and but. If the first item is a noun phrase, the next items should also be noun phrases. If the first item is a verb phrase, the next items should match it. This keeps the sentence smooth, clear, and balanced. • Keep list items in the same grammatical form. • When you are unsure, compare the endings of each item and make them match. • Parallel structure is especially important in resumes, reports, and thesis statements because it makes ideas easier to scan and understand. A quick way to test a sentence is to read the items one by one and ask,
• She enjoys reading, writing, and painting. (all gerunds) • The job requires patience, creativity, and attention to detail. (all nouns) • We need to plan the schedule, organize the files, and submit the report. (all verb phrases) • The store offers fast service, friendly staff, and low prices. (all noun phrases) • He likes swimming, biking, and to run. -> He likes swimming, biking, and running. (mixed form corrected)
If one item ends in -ing, try making the other items -ing too. Read the list aloud and listen for any item that sounds different from the others.
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs, so both parts of the sentence must be parallel. Common pairs include not only... but also, either... or, neither... nor, both... and, and whether... or. The grammar on each side should match. For example, you should pair noun with noun, verb with verb, clause with clause, or adjective with adjective. If one side is a full verb phrase and the other is only a noun, the sentence becomes unbalanced. Parallelism also appears in comparisons. Structures such as as... as, more... than, and rather... than should compare similar grammatical units. For example, She is as talented as she is hardworking compares two adjectives through matching clauses. Likewise, I would rather swim than run compares two infinitives. The forms after rather and than should match. • not only... but also: the two parts should be grammatically similar. • either... or and neither... nor: both choices should fit the same structure. • Comparisons should compare like with like. When checking these sentences, cover one half of the pair and see whether the other half could stand in the same place grammatically.
• She is not only intelligent but also kind. (adjective + adjective) • Either the manager or the assistant will answer the phone. (noun phrase + noun phrase) • He both saved money and reduced waste. (verb phrase + verb phrase) • I would rather stay home than go out. (infinitive + infinitive) • The plan is as practical as it is affordable. (balanced comparison)
In correlative pairs, the words after each connector should match in form. In comparisons, ask whether both parts could be swapped without breaking the sentence pattern.
Parallelism often works across clauses, not just in short lists. When two clauses are joined, they should be balanced in structure and meaning. This is common in sentences like What you say and what you do should match. Here, both parts are noun clauses beginning with what. If one clause is long and the other is short, or if one is a clause and the other is a phrase, the sentence may feel uneven. Faulty parallelism often appears when writers mix infinitives and gerunds, noun phrases and verb phrases, or adjectives and nouns. For example, a sentence might say The company values honesty, being reliable, and to communicate clearly. That structure is inconsistent. A correct version would keep all three items in the same form, such as honesty, reliability, and clear communication, or being honest, being reliable, and communicating clearly. This skill matters in professional and academic writing because parallel structure makes sentences persuasive and polished. In resumes, bullet points often begin with matching verbs. In thesis statements, balanced wording helps the main claim sound confident and organized. In exams, parallelism questions often test whether you can spot the odd item out and rewrite it to match the pattern. • Match clause with clause and phrase with phrase. • Look for repeated structures in formal writing and keep them consistent. • Balanced sentences can also create emphasis and rhythm, especially in antithesis and famous quotations.
• What you think and what you say should agree. (clause + clause) • She wanted to study, to travel, and to work abroad. (infinitives parallel) • The candidate was described as intelligent, reliable, and energetic. (adjectives parallel) • The report was clear, accurate, and well organized. (balanced adjectives) • It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (balanced antithesis)
Underline each item in a sentence and check whether every item has the same shape. In formal writing, choose one pattern and use it throughout the whole sentence or bullet list.