Points on Parallel Structure, Part 2

Parallel structure is the arrangement of like ideas in grammatically consistent terms. Parallel structure appears in all sorts of series: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Our job as writers is to align those nonparallel expressions in parallel form.

Nonparallel Nouns: Anne will meet with the plant manager, the supervisor of line, and the person who does the pricing.

Parallel Nouns: Anne will meet with the plant manager, line supervisor, and cost estimator.

 

Nonparallel Verbs: Bill does field assessments, writes reports, presenting key findings during briefings.

 Parallel Verbs: Bill assesses field conditions, writes reports, and presents key findings.

 

Nonparallel Adjectives: Carmen is conscientious, creative, and she collaborates well.

Parallel Adjectives: Carmen is conscientious, creative, and collaborative.

Nonparallel Adverbs: Dennis furnished the model with great speed, accurately, and he was thorough.

Parallel Adverbs: Dennis furnished the model quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.