Parallel Structure

What is parallel structure? Parallel structure is the quality of being equal.

Parallel lines are equal

Parallel bars in gymnastics are equal.

Parallel Structure in English Repeated structures in a sentence must

be parallel, or equal.

We ran around the lake, up the hill, and into the house. 3 prepositional phrases.

Not Parallel We ran around the lake, stopped to rest,

up the hill, and into the house.

Prepositional phrase, verb phrase, 2 prepositional phrases

Which sentence has parallel structure?

1. He liked to play basketball and riding horses.

2. He liked playing basketball and riding horses.

Which sentence has parallel structure?

I outlined the letters slowly and carefully.

I outlined the letters slowly and with care.

Which sentence has parallel structure?

1. She spent the day visiting tourist shops and watched the children on the beach.

2. She spent the day visiting tourist shops and watching the children on the beach.

Which sentence has parallel structure?

1. 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.

2. 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.

Which item does NOT show parallel structure? 1. Use two cups of sugar. 2. Use 5 teaspoons of milk. 3.Use 3 cups of flour.

Rewrite the sentence so it has parallel structure After the storm destroyed our roof, we

covered the hole with a tarp, hoping to get the carpet dry, and replacing the warped floor boards.

After the storm destroyed our roof, we covered the hole with a tarp, dried the carpet, and replaced the warped floor boards.

Rewrite the sentence so it has parallel structure Three years later, I can see why they

passed this bill and its importance.

Three years later, I can see why they passed this bill and why it is important.

Rewrite the sentence so it has parallel structure I had three classes in the lab every day

- study hall, computer class, and a teacher’s aide.

I had three classes in the yearbook room every day - study hall, yearbook, and aide.

On your own Write three sentences of your own that

use a variety of parallel structures. Underline the parallel structures.