A. Parallel Structure in Series
In all patterns ideas or equal importance should be expressed by the same grammatical structure. Avoid expressing ideas in a series by different structure.
Examples of Parallel Structure in Series :
- Incorrect : Jane is young, enthusiastic, and she has talent.
- Correct : Jane is young, enthusiastic, and talented.
- Incorrect : We learned to read the passages carefully and underlining the main ideas.
- Correct : We learned to read the passages carefully and to underline the main ideas.
- Incorrect : The duties of the new secretary are to answer the telephone, to type letters, and book keeping.
- Correct : The duties of the new secretary are to answer the telephone, to type letters, and to do the book keeping.
- Incorrect : The patient's symptoms were fever, dizziness, and his head hurt.
- Correct : The patient's symptoms were fever, dizziness, and headaches.
- Incorrect : Professor William enjoys teaching and to write.
- Correct : Professor William enjoys teaching and writing.
B. Parallel after Correlative Conjunctions
Remember that ideas of equal importance are introduce by correlative conjunction :
- Both ... and
- Not only ... but also
Avoid expressing ideas after correlative conjunction by different structures.
Examples of Parallel after Correlative Conjunctions :
- Incorrect : She is not only famous in the United States, but also abroad.
- Correct : She is famous not only in the United States, but also abroad.
- Incorrect : The exam tested both listening and to read.
- Correct : The exam tested both listening and reading.
- Incorrect : He is not only intelligent but also he is creative.
- Correct : He is not only intelligent but also creative.
- Incorrect : Flying is not only faster but also it is safer than traveling by car.
- Correct : Flying is not only faster but also safer than traveling by car.
- Incorrect : John registered for both Electrical Engineering 500 and study Mathematics 390.
- Correct : John registered for both Electrical Engineering 500 and Mathematics 390.