Which Phrase Is The Best Example Of Parallelism

Kalali
Jul 23, 2025 · 5 min read

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Which Phrase Is the Best Example of Parallelism? Mastering the Art of Balanced Sentence Structure
Parallelism, also known as parallel structure, is a powerful rhetorical device that enhances the clarity, rhythm, and impact of your writing. It involves using the same grammatical structure for similar items in a list, series, or comparison. This creates a sense of balance and elegance, making your writing more persuasive and memorable. Choosing the best example of parallelism often depends on context, but understanding the principles behind it allows you to identify strong examples and improve your own writing. This article delves deep into the nuances of parallelism, offering practical examples and guidance on selecting the most effective parallel structures.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Parallelism
At its core, parallelism relies on matching the grammatical form of words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. This means that elements should be consistently expressed as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, or prepositional phrases. Inconsistent grammatical structures disrupt the flow and clarity of your writing, making it less impactful and potentially confusing for the reader. Imagine trying to follow a recipe with instructions that jump haphazardly between imperative verbs, participial phrases, and noun clauses - it would be a frustrating experience! Parallelism provides the structural consistency that makes comprehension easy and enjoyable.
Identifying Parallel Structure: Common Forms
Parallelism manifests in various ways, making it versatile and adaptable to different writing styles. Here are some common forms you'll encounter:
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Parallel nouns: "The dog, the cat, and the bird were all playing in the yard." Notice how each element is a single noun.
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Parallel verbs: "She eats, sleeps, and plays video games." Each element is a verb in its base form.
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Parallel adjectives: "The house was large, beautiful, and expensive." Each element is a single adjective.
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Parallel adverbs: "He spoke clearly, confidently, and passionately." Each element is a single adverb.
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Parallel prepositional phrases: "The book was found on the shelf, in the drawer, and under the bed." Each phrase begins with the preposition "on," "in," or "under," followed by a noun phrase.
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Parallel clauses: "She loved to sing, and she enjoyed dancing." Each element is an independent clause with a subject and verb.
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Parallel infinitive phrases: "He decided to study hard, to get good grades, and to apply to college." Each phrase starts with "to" followed by a verb.
Examples of Parallelism: From Simple to Complex
Let's explore some examples to illustrate the effectiveness of parallel structure.
Simple Parallelism:
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"She likes swimming, hiking, and biking." This is a clear and concise example. Each activity is presented as a gerund (verb acting as a noun).
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"He is kind, compassionate, and intelligent." Three adjectives describe the person's character with perfect balance.
Complex Parallelism:
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"The politician promised to lower taxes, reduce the national debt, and improve public education." This example incorporates more complex phrases, each consisting of a verb and a noun phrase, maintaining parallel structure throughout.
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"Not only did she excel academically, but she also demonstrated remarkable leadership skills and contributed significantly to her community." This uses a correlative conjunction ("not only...but also") to structure a more sophisticated parallel comparison. Both halves of the sentence mirror each other grammatically.
Identifying the "Best" Example: Context Matters
Determining the single "best" example of parallelism is subjective and depends heavily on the context. A simple parallel structure might be perfectly suitable for a concise sentence, while a more complex one could enhance a longer, more nuanced statement. The effectiveness hinges on several factors:
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Clarity: The chosen structure should enhance the clarity of the message, not obscure it. Overly complex parallelism can lead to confusion.
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Emphasis: Parallelism can draw attention to key elements within the sentence. Strategic use can highlight the most important points.
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Flow and Rhythm: A well-structured parallel sentence creates a satisfying rhythm and flow, making it more engaging for the reader.
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Style and Tone: The complexity of the parallelism should be appropriate for the overall style and tone of the writing. Formal writing might benefit from more complex structures, while informal writing could utilize simpler ones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to maintain parallelism is a common grammatical error. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Inconsistent Verb Tenses: "He went to the store, bought some milk, and will eat cereal for breakfast." The tenses are inconsistent. It should be: "He went to the store, bought some milk, and ate cereal for breakfast."
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Mixing Parts of Speech: "She is a talented singer, passionate, and possesses a great voice." The elements are not parallel. It should be: "She is a talented, passionate singer with a great voice."
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Unequal Comparisons: "Apples are sweeter than oranges and taste better." This lacks parallelism in comparing apples and oranges. It should be: "Apples are sweeter and tastier than oranges."
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Faulty Correlative Conjunctions: Incorrect use of phrases like "not only...but also," "either...or," or "both...and" can disrupt parallelism. Ensure the elements following each part of the conjunction are grammatically parallel.
Analyzing Examples to Determine the Best Parallel Structure
Consider these options and let's analyze which best exemplifies parallelism:
- "He was tall, handsome, and had a charming smile."
- "He was tall, handsome, and charming."
- "He was tall, handsome, and his smile was charming."
- "He possessed height, handsomeness, and a charming smile."
Analysis:
Option 2 is the clearest and most concise example of parallelism. All three elements are adjectives describing the man's attributes. Option 1 breaks parallelism by introducing a verb phrase ("had a charming smile") after two adjectives. Option 3 similarly breaks parallelism. Option 4, while grammatically correct, is less elegant and more awkward than option 2. Therefore, option 2 is the best example of parallelism in this case. It maintains a consistent grammatical structure, enhances clarity, and offers a natural flow.
The Importance of Practice and Refinement
Mastering parallelism requires practice and attention to detail. It is not simply a matter of memorizing rules, but of developing a keen sense for balanced sentence structure. Read widely, paying attention to how accomplished writers use parallelism to create powerful and memorable prose. Review your own writing, actively looking for opportunities to improve the clarity and flow of your sentences using parallel structures. The more you practice, the more naturally you will incorporate this valuable rhetorical tool into your writing. By refining your understanding and applying this knowledge consistently, you’ll significantly enhance the quality and impact of your writing. The ability to use parallelism effectively is a hallmark of polished and persuasive communication.
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