Parallelism

Grammatical Parallelism

Grammatical parallelism uses the same part of speech when a coordinating conjunction is used to link words in a series of two or more.

• Keep the forms parallel in compound phrases.

  Incorrect: I go to the store, and I bought bread.
  Correct: I went to the store, and I bought bread.

• Keep all number words in a series.

  Incorrect: A student must first take notes, second read the book, and finally study for the test.
  Correct: A student must first take notes, second read the book, and third study for the test.

Logical Parallelism

Logical parallelism has a parallel meaning in that the items are of equal value and importance.

• Group nouns are of the same classification.

  Incorrect:  The types of people at the rally included Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, and women.
  Correct:  The types of people at the rally included Asians, African Americans, and Native Americans.

Created by Dana Jones