Parallel Structure

Authors use parallel structure in order to...

• To show off how smart they are.

• Make their stories sound more like a poem or song.

• Create balance, rhythm and make sentences easier to read.

• Prove their point in arguments with a more simple claim.

True or False, This sentence is parallel:
"My brother plays baseball, works out at the gym twice a week, and likes to hang out with friends when he has the time."

• True

• False

True or False, This sentence is parallel:
"They buckled their seatbelt, put the key in the ignition, and pressed on the gas."

• True

• False

Finish the sentence to make it balanced:
"The house had a large backyard, ____________ and ______________."

• four bedrooms and two bathrooms

• brick walls and a fireplace that was functional

• but was in a sketchy neighborhood and needed repairs

• a spacious kitchen and gorgeous wallpaper

You can find parallel structure in which one of these:

• Titles

• Verbs

• Comparisons

• Synonyms

Finish the sentence to make it parallel:
"If you want to hang out with friends, first you need to finish your homework ________________ and ______________________."

• take the trash out and walk the dog

• make sure they are free and call them on your phone

• schedule a time to meet and pick a mutual location

• bring your little brother with you or else he will complain, and check in with your mom every hour so she knows where you are at

What is the formula in the following sentence:
"On my way home I need to pick up some groceries, wash my car, and drop off a package."

• Adjective-Noun, Adjective-Noun, Adjective-Noun

• Verb-Noun, Verb-Noun, Verb-Noun

• Noun-Adjective, Noun-Adjective, Noun-Adjective

• Noun-Verb, Noun-Verb, Noun-Verb

What is the formula for the following sentence:
"My best friend had to wash, blow-dry, and curl her hair."

• Noun, Noun, Noun

• Adjective, Adjective, Adjective

• Subject, Subject, Subject

• Verb, Verb, Verb

Which example of parallel structure is this sentence:
"She likes to hit the gym just as much as she likes to rest in bed."

• Listing things

• Naming things in a series

• Giving a contrast

• Making a comparison

Write a sentence correctly using balanced parallel structure.