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Parallel structure is a language pattern created through the repetition of word forms or grammatical units. Parallel structure is commonly found in lists and comparisons but may be used for a variety of purposes including highlighting logical relationships, improving sentence clarity, creating rhythm, and adding emphasis.

Parallel Nouns He is an outstanding student, artist, and friend.

Parallel Adjectives It’s the smartest, funniest, bravest book I’ve ever read.

Parallel Verbs The thunder rumbled and crashed overhead.

Parallel Adjective Clauses The team knows that the competition is fierce and that the opposing team is impressive.

Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) are used to join similar language elements, such as words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. In a list or series joined by a coordinating conjunction, all items in the series should be parallel to one another. If items are not parallel, the sentence may be awkward or unclear.

Awkward The scientific process involves asking questions, hypotheses, and conducting research.

To maintain consistency in this sentence, we need to change the form of the second item in the series.

Parallel The scientific process involves asking questions, forming hypotheses, and conducting research.

Parallel structure is particularly important for maintaining clarity in sentences that use correlative conjunctions. Correlative conjunctions link two similarly structured words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Examples of correlative conjunction pairs include either/or, neither/nor, and not only/but also.

Awkward For the final course assignment, students may either take a test or a paper.

To maintain consistency in this sentence, the phrase after each part of the correlative conjunction must use the same structure—in this case, a verb followed by its object.

Parallel For the final course project, students may either take a test or write a paper.

When a sentence compares two or more items, the items being compared should be in parallel form. Nonparallel comparisons may be awkward or unclear.

Awkward Freewriting is a less structured prewriting approach than to outline.

Parallel Freewriting is a less structured prewriting approach than outlining.