Answer:
Correct parallel structure is important because it makes a sentence easier to read and
understand. Correct parallel structure allows for essays and paragraphs to flow more smoothly
for the reader.
To fix an error in parallel structure, the writer must put all the words or phrases in a series in
the same form. Here are some examples of errors in parallel structure and how these errors can
be fixed.
Incorrect: Marisa stopped at the grocery store, the bank and ran to the library
Correct: Marissa stopped at the grocery store, the bank and the library.
In this sentence, the words in the series are all nouns with the word the before the noun. For
this sentence to be correct, the last part ran to the library should be changed to the library.
Coordinating conjunctions are
words that connect words, phrases or clauses in sentences. The coordinating conjunctions are for, and, or,
but, nor, yet, so. Here are some examples of sentences with coordinating conjunctions where
parallel structure is used correctly.
We need to buy peaches, strawberries, and melons from the farmer’s market
Sally’s cat is fat but he is feisty
I don’t know where he went or when he will be back.
Parallel structure must take place in sentence with correlative conjunctions. Correlative
conjunctions are like coordinating conjunctions because they link words, phrases and clauses in
a series. However, correlative conjunctions consist of two words paired together. Some
common correlative conjunctions are: not only… but also, neither/either… or, whether… or, as
many as. Here are some examples of sentences with correlative conjunctions where parallel
structure is used correctly.
Not only was she tired, but she was also sick to her stomach.
Neither snow nor rain can keep me from you.
I do not know whether the recipe calls for baking soda or baking powder.
When making comparisons, a sentence must be parallel. Here are some examples of
sentences with comparisons that have correct parallel structure.
I would rather take the train than take the bus.
Sam’s car is faster than Alex’s car.
Strawberries are just as tasty as blueberries.
The Harry Potter series is just as good as The Hunger Games series.
