Parallelism

1. Parallelism Section 22

2. Parallelism • Ideas that are logically parallel should be structurally parallel • They should be stated in the same grammatical form • For example, balance nouns with nouns, adjectives with adjectives, prepositional phrases with prepositional phrases, infinitive phrases with infinitive phrases, dependent clauses with dependent clauses, and so on

3. Parallelism • Look for conjunctions on which parallel items balance: • and, but, or, either—or, neither—nor, both—and, not only—but also, etc • Make the items they join structurally parallel • Let’s look at some examples • That you are a sinner andyour need of the Savior are two important two truths you must face. • Parallel? • No, the first item is a noun clause and the second item is a noun with modifiers • That you are a sinner andthat you need a Savior are two important truths you must face. • Parallel? • Yes, now both elements are noun clauses

4. Parallelism • Have another example: • This ticket permits you to sit eitheron the main floor oryou may sit in the balcony. • Parallel? • No…are you sure? • Just kidding, it’s absolutely not parallel. The first element is a prepositional phrase and the second element is an independent clause. • This ticket permits you to sit eitheron the main floor orin the balcony. • Parallel? • Yes, now both elements are prepositional phrases.

5. Parallelism • Keep in mind, all the items in a series should be parallel even though conjunctions do not appear between all items • Example: • Jeff likes fishing, swimming, and to hike. • Parallel? • I will assume you’ve all said no. • Jeff likes fishing, swimming, and hiking. • Parallel? • By this point, I’m just answering my own questions aren’t I?

6. Parallelism • When checking for parallelism, look at the first word or phrase in each item. • If each item begins with the same kind of word or phrase, you can be sure that they are parallel even if the other parts of each item differ. • The first word or phrase in each item is what determines parallelism, not the length of items • For example: • Children are to honor their parents andto obey them whether or not they understand why they are asked to do something. • Parallel? • Just nod and look like you’ve had an epiphany • Jeff fishes for pleasure, swims to stay in condition, andhikes to get away from civilization for a while. • Parallel? • Yes…

7. Parallelism • Each member of a correlative conjunction should be placed immediatelybefore a parallel element • For example: • By flying nonstop over the Atlantic Ocean, Lindenberghnot only won a $25,000 prize but also the respect of the world. • Good? Parallel? • No…okay, but why? • By flying nonstop over the Atlantic Ocean, Lindenbergh won not only a $25,000 prize but also the respect of the world. • Better? • Only if you like things in their proper place

8. Parallelism • Have another correlative conjunction example: • You can either hang the painting here by the window orthere by the piano. • Parallel? • Why not? • You can hang the painting eitherhere by the window orthere by the piano. • Better? • Yes, the first member of the correlative conjunction is in the right place

9. Parallelism • Repeat any key words necessary to make the parallelism clear (think of our section on clarity) • Examples: • Mr. Bean is excellent in welding and supervising the men in his shop. • Clear? • Just tell me no like you mean it • Mr. Bean is excellent in welding and insupervisingthe men in his shop. • Better? • Yes, because now it’s clear • James likes to read books which describe auto races and picture the action in his mind. • Why is that not clear? • James likes to read books which describe auto races andto picture the action in his mind. • Now the parallelism is clear

10. Parallelism • Don’t use the expressions and who, and whom, or and which unless a parallel who, whom or which clause has preceded it in the sentence • Same rule applies to but who, but whom, or but which • For example: • Mr. Helmser is a man of great political power but who uses his power in the best interests of the people he serves. • Clear? • I hope that’s a no I’m hearing • Mr. Helmser is a man who has great political power but who uses his power in the best interests of the people he serves. • Parallel? • Yes, now but joins two dependent clauses

11. Parallelism • Here’s another for you: • Our country faces serious problems, and which cannot easily be solved. • Does that even make sense? • Shake your head vigorously back and forth • Our country faces serious problems which cannot easily be solved. • Does it makes sense now? • Yes, because the items were not parallel to begin with so dropping the and from the sentence makes it clear

12. Parallelism • Here’s the kicker: • Absolute parallelism isn’t always possible or desirable • See below for expected examples of what I meant above: • He greatly enjoys golf and fishing. • Does this work? • Don’t look at me blankly, pretend you are deep in thought • It is acceptable because while not parallel in grammatical form, they are parallel in use (both are nouns) • The commencement speaker spoke slowly and with dignity. • Does this one work? • Yes, for the same reason as stated above (the use is the same despite its form)