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Thursday, April 16, 2009
How to Use Parallel Sentences Effectively by Andrew Kam
Parallel sentences - a technical term in professional writing that is usually unfamiliar to the average reader. What exactly are parallel sentences anyway? We read them very often in various publications, but rarely do we take notice of such nuances in the structure of sentences. However, this tool in professional writing distinguishes between effective communication, and haphazard communication.
According to PurdueUniversity's online Owl professional writing website definition, a "parallel sentence means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or.""
Let me give you a few examples to illustrate my point.
“The BritishMuseum is a wonderful place to see ancient Egyptian art, you can explore African artifacts, and beautiful find textiles from around the world.”
This sentence sounds jerky and out of balance, doesn’t it? That’s because the phrases are not parallel. Now read this:
“The BritishMuseum is a wonderful place where you can find ancient Egyptian art, explore African artifacts, and discover beautiful textiles from around the world.”
Notice that each phrase has a verb and a direct object. Parallelism is necessary when a series of words, thoughts, or ideas appears in one sentence. If you encounter a sentence that just sounds wrong or clunky, look for conjunctions like and, or, but, and yet to determine whether the sentence is off balance.
Below is a video that shows you how to construct a correct parallel sentence.
References:
Fleming, Grace. "Parallel Sentences and Phrases." About.com Homework / Study Tips. .
Driscoll, Dana L. "Parallel Structure." The Owl at Purdue. Purdue University. .
Great job Andrew!! Parallel sentences make more sence for me now..!!!loved the exapmle and how smooth it went after putting it in right order. It was great reading your posts and iguess that was the last one for this semester.((\ Best of luck!!, great Job again!!
I will admit before reading your post I didnt have a clue what parallel sentences were! But now I am much more educated and can pick out these sentences in written works. Great Job. This was a great post because it was very educational and still catches the reader's attention. Nice graphic picture and video too! Have a great summer!
As Jennifer also said, before I read your post I was a little shakey with parallel structure/sentences. After reading your post though I feel like I have a better understanding of it and can recognize sentences easier. Great Job!
Andrew, I have to say, I had no idead what a parralell sentence was. That is why I wanted you to post on the material. You have done an amazing job on this project. Great way to end it. Enjoy your summer.
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Great job Andrew!! Parallel sentences make more sence for me now..!!!loved the exapmle and how smooth it went after putting it in right order.
ReplyDeleteIt was great reading your posts and iguess that was the last one for this semester.((\
Best of luck!!, great Job again!!
I will admit before reading your post I didnt have a clue what parallel sentences were! But now I am much more educated and can pick out these sentences in written works. Great Job. This was a great post because it was very educational and still catches the reader's attention. Nice graphic picture and video too!
ReplyDeleteHave a great summer!
As Jennifer also said, before I read your post I was a little shakey with parallel structure/sentences. After reading your post though I feel like I have a better understanding of it and can recognize sentences easier. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I have to say, I had no idead what a parralell sentence was. That is why I wanted you to post on the material. You have done an amazing job on this project. Great way to end it. Enjoy your summer.
ReplyDelete