What is parallel structure?

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In the book of Foundations First sentences and paragraphs by,Laurie G. Kirszner&Stephen R.Mandell in chapter 13 Using Parallelism on page 213,(13a)to recognize parallel structure and to use parallel structure(13b) begins with Reconizing Parallel Structure: Parallelism means repeating the same grammatical structure for example, all nouns, all verbs, and so on_to express comparable or equivalent ideas.

Example: Paul Robeson was an (actor) and a (singer). (two nouns) Example: When my brother comes home from college, he eats, sleeps, and watches televison. (three verbs)

These are example of parallel structure that is use in a sentence.

In (13b) to use parallel structure: Parallelism enables you to emphasize related ideas, and it makes your sentences easier to read. Parallel structuer is especially important in paired items, comparisons, and items in a series. Example: Jemera takes Alex to daycare and then goes to work.Italic textcoordinating conjunction and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet are use for paired items as used in the sentences. Example: It often costs less to rent a house than to buy one.Italic textcomparisons formed with than or as is used in a parallel structure.

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A Writer's Reference by, Diana Hacker on page 81 (S1-a) Parallelism 

The Hacker definition of parallel is two or more ideas are parallel, they are easier to grasp when expressed in parallel grammatical form. Example: S1-b,Link title Balance parallel ideas presented as pairs Paired ideas are usually connected in one of these ways


with a coordinating conjuction such as Italic textand, but, or or


with a pair of correlative conjuction such as either...or or not only... but also


with a word introducing a comparion, usually than or as

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In book of The New Century HandBook by, Christine A. Hult & Thomas N.Huckin on page 759 chapter 42Link titleParallelism has define the meaning of parallel structure. 42a Words and phrases that are linked by the coordinating conjunctions and, but, or, or nor often are parallel in content. In such cases they should be parallel in form. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/g_parallel.html will give you definition of parallelism, accompanied by examples and proofreding strategies. Examples: An expert is someone who knows more and more about increasinly little. To revised this sentence to be correct it should be Example: An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less.

Link title(42d)


A comparison or contrast involves two statements or terms that are seen as somehow equivent; indeed, it is this equivalence that allows them to be compared.


These three books has given definition of What is a parallel structure and to form it in a sentence.


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