Parallel construction problems

Last updated: 13 Oct 2008

Parallel construction or parallel structure problems are among the most common problems in sentence correction sentences. The problem occurs when you mix verbs with adjectives, nouns with verbs, etc, when the situation calls for keeping everything the same, in order to maintain clarity and the flow of the sentence.

Rule

In a series of equivalent items, verbs must follow verbs, nouns follow nouns, etc.

Hint

If you notice a series or list of things or verbs, usually punctuated by several commas, make sure there is parallel construction.

Example 1

Jim was tidy, marked by politeness and good manners.

Is this parallel?

No. The sentence says "Jim was tidy (adjective) and then marked by politeness (noun) and good manners (noun)". This is not parallel.

We could fix it by writing:

Jim was tidy, polite, and well-mannered. (3 adjectives)

Or

Jim was marked by tidiness, politeness, and good manners. (3 nouns).

Example 2

Maria chose to play tennis in the morning and shopping in the afternoon.

This is not parallel.

The sentence says "Maria chose to play (verb, infinitive form) tennis in the morning and shopping (verb, present participle or 'ing' form) in the afternoon.

We could fix it by writing:

Maria chose to play tennis in the morning and to shop in the afternoon (2 infinitive form verbs)

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