From the course: Advanced Grammar (2017)
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Parallel structure
- [Instructor] Do you like a predictable rhythm? Do you like symmetrical patterns? You order a flat of 36 marigolds and when the flat is delivered, it contains 34 marigolds and two yellow pansies. All 36 are yellow flowers, but something is just different, a little askew. Well, grammatical parallel structure is sort of like that. The reader gets into your writing flow, is expecting a pattern, and then all of a sudden the structure or pattern changes. Something's just not right. A writer may mistakenly believe that constantly varying the wording for variety to avoid redundancy is always a good idea. While that theory may be true, effective writers should pay special attention to parallel structure. Let's start with the simplest possible parallel structure, articles and prepositions. The letters, the memos, and email all need to be professional. Or, The letters, the memos, and the email all need to be professional. Adding that one little article makes the sentence parallel. And notice…
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