Good afternoon!
Today we have the second rule from the article “7 grammar rules you really should pay attention to,” by Ben Yagoda. He titles the rule “Bad Parallelism,” which doesn’t seem like a rule you’d want to follow. So instead, I am renaming this rule and using examples from the Purdue OWL website. (The examples are from a paper written by Dr. Linda Bergmann and Allen Brizee.)
Rule 2: Avoid Bad Parallelism
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Words and Phrases
Remain consistent, or parallel, in your words and phrases. A common mistake is mixing patterns
with the –ing form (gerund) of words:
Not parallel: The construction manager established a protocol that includes
reviewing plans every morning, asking questions at stated intervals, and the
summarization of work at the end of the day.
Parallel: The construction manager established a protocol that includes reviewing
plans every morning, asking questions at stated intervals, and summarizing work
at the end of the day.
Another common mistake is mixing patterns of infinitive phrases:
Not parallel: A daily protocol was established to review plans, to field questions,
and summarize work.
Parallel: A daily protocol was established to review plans, to field questions, and
to summarize work.
Forms
Mixing forms is another common misstep:
Not parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly,
accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel: The production manager was asked to write his report quickly,
accurately, and thoroughly.
Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue using clauses.
Not Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that
they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the
game.
Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they
should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises
before the game.
Lists
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word
meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings,
pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
Kara Church
Senior Technical Editor
619-542-6773 | Ext: 766773
Kara Church
Senior Technical Editor
619-542-6773 | Ext: 766773
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