Which Phrase Should Be Revised for a More Parallel Sentence: A Complete Guide to Parallel Structure
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is one of the most important yet frequently overlooked grammatical principles in English writing. When you understand which phrase should be revised for a more parallel sentence, you significantly improve the clarity, readability, and professional quality of your writing. This full breakdown will teach you how to identify non-parallel constructions, understand why they create problems, and master the art of creating balanced, elegant sentences that flow naturally Practical, not theoretical..
What is Parallel Structure?
Parallel structure refers to the use of identical grammatical forms within a sentence to express related ideas. When words, phrases, or clauses are arranged in a parallel fashion, they share the same level of importance and are presented in a consistent grammatical pattern. This technique creates rhythm in writing and helps readers process information more efficiently.
The fundamental principle behind parallelism is simple: items in a series should be grammatically similar. If you begin a list with a gerund (an -ing form), continue with gerunds. If you start with an infinitive (to + verb), maintain that structure throughout. This consistency makes your writing predictable and easier to understand Not complicated — just consistent. Turns out it matters..
Consider this non-parallel example: "She enjoys reading, to write, and painting." The sentence begins with a gerund (reading), continues with an infinitive (to write), and ends with another gerund (painting). This inconsistency forces readers to mentally shift gears three times, disrupting the flow of the sentence.
Now compare it with the parallel version: "She enjoys reading, writing, and painting." All three activities are presented in the same grammatical form—gerunds—creating a smooth, harmonious sentence that reads effortlessly.
How to Identify Phrases That Need Revision
Learning to recognize which phrase should be revised for a more parallel sentence requires understanding several key indicators. When you encounter a sentence that feels awkward or clunky, look for these warning signs:
Inconsistent Verb Forms
When a sentence lists actions or states, all items should use the same verb form. Watch for mixtures of:
- Gerunds (running, swimming, biking)
- Infinitives (to run, to swim, to bike)
- Past tense verbs (ran, swam, biked)
Mismatched Parts of Speech
A balanced sentence maintains consistency in parts of speech. If one item is a noun, other items should also be nouns. If one item is an adjective, maintain that pattern throughout.
Unequal Sentence Elements
When using correlative conjunctions like "both...and," "either...In practice, or," "neither... nor," or "not only...but also," confirm that identical grammatical structures follow each conjunction.
Lists with Mixed Structures
Bullet points, numbered lists, and series within sentences must follow parallel construction. Each item should begin with the same part of speech and maintain consistent grammatical form.
Common Patterns Requiring Parallelism
Understanding which phrase should be revised for a more parallel sentence becomes easier when you recognize the most common patterns that violate this principle.
Correlative Conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal elements. The structure that follows "both" must match the structure that follows "and."
Non-parallel: She is both intelligent and has talent. Parallel: She is both intelligent and talented Less friction, more output..
Non-parallel: The program offers either online courses or to attend in-person sessions. Parallel: The program offers either online courses or in-person sessions Not complicated — just consistent. Surprisingly effective..
Lists and Series
When presenting three or more items, maintain consistent grammatical structure throughout Worth keeping that in mind..
Non-parallel: To succeed requires hard work, dedication, and you must have patience. Parallel: To succeed requires hard work, dedication, and patience The details matter here..
Non-parallel: The qualities we value include honesty, integrity, and being reliable. Parallel: The qualities we value include honesty, integrity, and reliability.
Comparisons
When using "than" or "as" to make comparisons, the elements being compared must have the same grammatical form.
Non-parallel: Walking is healthier than to drive. Parallel: Walking is healthier than driving Simple, but easy to overlook..
Headings and Subheadings
In formal documents, headings at the same level should follow parallel structure.
Non-parallel:
- Introduction
- How to Begin
- Conclusion
Parallel:
- Beginning
- Developing
- Concluding
Examples of Revision: Before and After
Studying concrete examples helps solidify your understanding of which phrase should be revised for a more parallel sentence. Here are detailed before-and-after illustrations:
Example 1: Career Goals
Non-parallel: My career goals include learning new skills, to network with professionals, and gaining experience. Parallel: My career goals include learning new skills, networking with professionals, and gaining experience That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Why it works: All three items are now gerunds, creating grammatical consistency The details matter here..
Example 2: Company Values
Non-parallel: Our company values innovation, integrity, and to innovate constantly. Parallel: Our company values innovation, integrity, and constant improvement Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Why it works: The revision transforms all items into nouns, eliminating the awkward mix of noun and infinitive.
Example 3: Personal Preferences
Non-parallel: I prefer reading novels to watching television, and I enjoy playing sports more than to go to the gym. Parallel: I prefer reading novels to watching television, and I enjoy playing sports more than going to the gym But it adds up..
Why it works: Both comparisons now use gerunds, maintaining parallel structure across the entire sentence.
Example 4: Job Requirements
Non-parallel: The ideal candidate should be organized, motivated, and have good communication skills. Parallel: The ideal candidate should be organized, motivated, and skilled in communication.
Why it works: The revision ensures all qualities are expressed as adjectives or adjective phrases.
Example 5: Educational Objectives
Non-parallel: Students will learn to analyze, to evaluate, and critical thinking. Parallel: Students will learn to analyze, to evaluate, and to think critically And that's really what it comes down to..
Why it works: All three items now follow the infinitive pattern, creating a consistent structure.
Tips for Maintaining Parallel Structure
Developing strong parallel structure skills requires practice and attention to detail. Implement these strategies in your writing:
1. Read Your Sentences Aloud When you vocalize your writing, inconsistencies become more apparent. If a sentence sounds awkward or stumbles, parallelism issues are likely present Small thing, real impact..
2. Identify the First Item Once you establish the grammatical form of the first item in a series, maintain that form for all subsequent items. Use the same part of speech consistently.
3. Check Correlative Conjunctions Whenever you use "both...and," "either...or," "neither...nor," or "not only...but also," immediately verify that identical structures follow each conjunction.
4. Use Bullet Points Consistently When creating lists, ensure each bullet point begins with the same part of speech and follows the same grammatical pattern.
5. Edit Specifically for Parallelism During revision, specifically scan your document for lists, comparisons, and correlative conjunctions. Check each instance for parallel structure That's the part that actually makes a difference..
6. Keep Related Ideas Grammatically Similar When expressing related ideas, maintain similar grammatical structures to make clear their connection Not complicated — just consistent..
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is parallel structure important?
Parallel structure enhances readability by creating predictable patterns that readers can process quickly. It adds rhythm and balance to your writing, making it more professional and persuasive. Non-parallel sentences confuse readers and undermine your credibility.
How do I fix a non-parallel sentence?
Identify the grammatical form of the first item in a series, then rewrite subsequent items to match that form. As an example, if the first item is a gerund, convert all other items to gerunds. If the first item is an infinitive, make all items infinitives The details matter here. Worth knowing..
Can parallel structure vary within a paragraph?
While individual sentences should maintain internal parallelism, different sentences within a paragraph can use different structures. Parallelism matters most within connected elements like lists, comparisons, and correlative conjunction pairs.
What is the most common parallelism error?
Mixing gerunds and infinitives in lists is perhaps the most frequent parallelism mistake. Writers often begin with a gerund and then switch to an infinitive, creating an unbalanced effect Less friction, more output..
Does parallel structure apply to headings in documents?
Yes, headings and subheadings at the same level should follow parallel construction. This creates visual consistency and helps readers handle your document more easily Turns out it matters..
Can parallelism improve my writing's persuasiveness?
Absolutely. In practice, parallel structure creates a sense of order and logic that appeals to readers. When your writing appears well-organized and balanced, readers are more likely to trust your ideas and accept your conclusions Still holds up..
Conclusion
Understanding which phrase should be revised for a more parallel sentence transforms your writing from merely competent to genuinely polished. Parallel structure is not merely a grammatical technicality—it is a powerful tool that enhances clarity, creates rhythm, and demonstrates your command of the English language Nothing fancy..
By recognizing the warning signs of non-parallel construction—mixed verb forms, mismatched parts of speech, and inconsistent sentence elements—you can identify and correct these issues in your own writing. Remember to check correlative conjunctions, maintain consistency in lists, and confirm that comparisons follow parallel patterns.
The principles outlined in this guide will serve you well in all forms of writing, from academic papers to business communications to creative works. Practice identifying and revising non-parallel sentences, and you will soon find that maintaining parallelism becomes second nature. Your readers will appreciate the smooth, balanced quality of your prose, and your ideas will come through with greater impact and clarity.
