Pararellism

PARALLELISM

Parallelism is the balance between two or more similar words, phrases or clauses in grammar. Parallelism is the use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same; or similar in their construction, sound, meaning or meter. Parallelism examples are found in literary works as well as in ordinary conversations.

This method adds balance and rhythm to sentences giving ideas a smoother flow and thus can be persuasive because of the repetition it employs. For example, “Alice ran into the room, into the garden, and into our hearts.” We see the repetition of a phrase that not only gives the sentence a balance but rhythm and flow as well. This repetition can also occur in similar structured clauses e.g. “Whenever you need me, wherever you need me, I will be there for you.”

Common Examples:

• Like father, like son.
• The escaped prisoner was wanted dead or alive.
• Easy come, easy go.
• Whether in class, at work or at home, Shasta was always busy.
• Flying is fast, comfortable, and safe.

Examples:

• Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and play the guitar. (False)
  Nancy likes the piano, the trumpet and the guitar. (True)
  Nancy likes playing the piano, the trumpet and the guitar. (True)
• She played basketball, had a shower and gone to school. (False)
  She played basketball, had a shower and went to school. (True)
• You can apply to the job by filling this form or apply by telephone. (False)
  You can apply to the job by filling this form or you can apply by telephone. (True)

Rules of parallelism:

1. Parallelism is used to balance nouns with nouns, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, participles with participles, infinitives with infinitives, clauses with clauses.
2. Parallelism is used with elements joined by coordinating conjunctions.
   My mother likes cooking and to read. (False)
   My mother likes cooking and reading  (True)
3. Parallelism is used with elements in lists or in a series.
   This task can be done individually, in pairs, or can be done in groups of four.  (False)
   This task can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups of four. (True)
4. Parallelism is used with elements being compared.
   She is mad about watching TV more than to read a book . (False)
   She is mad about watching TV more than reading a book.  (True)
5. Parallelism is used with elements joined by a linking verb or a form of be
   To learn is understanding the world.  (False)
   To learn is to understand the world.  (True)
6. Parallelism is used with elements joined by linking words.
   The teacher not only wants his students to keep quiet but also to do the task . (False)
   The teacher wants his students not only to keep quiet but also to do the task . (True)