Question

In about 100 words, define parallel construction and then discuss two or more reasons writers use parallel construction.

Answer 1

Parallel construction means using the same pattern or structure of words.

For example, in the sentence: "I went swimming, hiking, and sledding" the actions swimming, hiking, and sledding are all in the same structure -- they are parallel.

First, a writer would use parallel construction for better clarity. Writing that does not use parallel construction is often confusing and poorly written.

Secondly, a writer would use parallel construction to indicate ideas that are equally important.