Parallelism means that words used in pairs or groups
should all have the same grammatical form (verbs and verbs;
nouns, nouns, and nouns; gerunds and gerunds, etc.) When
using words or phrases with coordinating conjunctions or in
a series, make sure that they follow the same grammatical
structure. For example,
Terry likes swimming and
to dive.
Terry likes swimming and diving.
Terry likes to swim and (to) dive.
I'm taking history, math, and chemical.
I'm taking history, math, and chemistry.
(Incorrect: not
parallel)
(Correct)
(Correct)
(Incorrect)
(Correct)
Sometimes repeated words, such as auxiliary verbs,
can be deleted in parallel constructions.
I have been to Paris and saw the Eiffel Tower.
I have been to Paris and
have seen the Eiffel Tower.
I have been to Paris and
seen the Eiffel Tower.
Is she coming to the
party or go to a movie?
Is she coming to the
party or going to a movie?
(Incorrect)
(Okay)
(Better)
(Incorrect)
(Correct)
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