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Questions tagged [parallelism]

Parallelism is about balancing similar words, phrases, or clauses identified by similarity in its grammatical structure.
The application of parallelism in sentence construction can sometimes improve writing style, clearness, and readability.

Parallelism is about balancing similar words, phrases, or clauses identified by similarity in its grammatical structure.

The application of parallelism in sentence construction can sometimes improve writing style, clearness, and readability.

Example:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

-- John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address

The parallelism is in the list of [verb]+any+[noun] structures in the middle of the sentence.

220 questions
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Faulty Parallelism3: to 'while' or not to 'while'

The problem sentence: I have always liked thinking through complicated problems to find creative solutions, be they in a mathematics class or while helping a friend. I wrote this sentence for a personal statement; however, someone pointed out…
Umer
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Can "is similar to that " be used with anything other than "of"?

A common construct for comparison (making parallels) is "the X of A is similar to that of B". Quoting an example here ... the animals' situation is similar to that of the plants. which is equivalent to the situation of the animals is similar to…
tinlyx
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"We will not only go to Mars but also to Jupiter." is grammatically correct? And some other questions

Is this grammatically correct? "We will not only go to Mars but also to Jupiter." How about "We will go not only to Mars but also to Jupiter." and "We will go to not only Mars but also Jupiter." I believe the first sentence violates…
Jinil Kim
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a parallelism issue - the most interesting garment

Is there a parallelism issue with the following sentence? Prizes will be given to the best dressed, the worst dressed, and the most “interesting” garment. Is it natural to interpret "the most interesting garment" as the person who is most…
Apollyon
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"...putting the proper efforts and funds into it..." or "...putting the proper effort and funds into it..."

Complete sentence: Marketing can be invaluable to your firm, and putting the proper effort and funds into it up-front to ensure that it is done correctly can provide you with substantial benefits. Since "funds" has an s, should effort also have an s…
Eric K
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Problem pertaining to Parallelism?

In my English class, my teacher gave me a sentence and asked me to correct it, knowing that the sentence is incorrect regarding the parallelism. The original sentence goes like this: The candidate's platform included a tax code reform, an improved…
nthntn
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in books, TV, or films?

I'm wondering whether the phrase 'in books, TV, or films' is correct. It seems to realize the 'in A, B, and C' structure; however, the preposition 'in' does not go with 'TV'. We cannot say 'in TV'. Do we have to say 'in books, on TV, or in films'…
Apollyon
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Parallelism regarding prepositions

I read the following sentence from the NYT and am having trouble understanding parallelism applied here: Mr. Zuckerberg is for free trade, more open immigration and for a certain controversial brand of education reform. Why does only "more open…
thegreentea
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Participles with a shared object - faulty parallelism

I'm trying to explain to a friend why this is faulty parallelism; can anyone help or provide relevant sources to cite? "... by evaluating customer needs, identifying, and implementing a solution." My contention is that this should be recast as…
Christine
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When two parallel verbs share the same object, should the second clause end with a comma, or not?

Which of these is correct? Are both correct? The Tenant hereby sublets to the Subtenant, and the Subtenant agrees to take, the premises of Lot No. 7. The Tenant hereby sublets to the Subtenant, and the Subtenant agrees to take the premises of Lot…
user92740
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Parallelism question: “it is . . . yet is” vs. “it is . . . yet it is”

Florida’s Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, a mixed-use recreation trail paved over an old rail bed, is a curious paradox: it is not only completely man-made but also designed exclusively for human use, yet is classified as a state park. [source:…
Jwan622
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Objects with and

In a daily I read (name has been changed): Mr X takes a holiday with his divorced wife and daughter. Is this correct? Here, doesn't divorced qualify both wife and daughter here?
Essen
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Does the following sentence maintain parallelism?

Socialism does not work because there is a lack of incentive for the people to contribute, a dangerously dictatorial government, and widespread corruption. Has parallelism been maintained in the above sentence in writing the 3 reasons (lack of…
tryingtobeastoic
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How can I make this sentence more parallel in structure? (Example below)

In particular, the consumption of water allows chemical reactions to take place, substances to be readily transported, body temperature to be regulated, and tissues to be protected and lubricated in the body. I noticed that the three remaining…
Cute
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Is this parallel?

Getting attacked by a wolf, not having enough food in the winter, and my friend’s marriage were depressing times. Is this parallel? I think the first two are called gerund phrases and the last one is a noun phrase. Can gerund phrases be parallel…
user432015
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