How Parallelism Elevates Your Writing
By making a small shift in the way I played with words and phrases my grammar was elevated to another level. But how…
Most of the grammar I learned during my school years was only enhanced after I became a writer as this helped me embark on a lifelong journey of learning and growing on my own. This happened when the evolution of an idea was taught in a creative class by a well-known author who was not only conducting a workshop but was also a Guest Speaker that day, I was simply blown out of my mind.
Her three-dimensional perspective on writing and her thought processes were not topics usually discussed in writing workshops and were practically unheard of. Her ideas gave my writing a new dimension when I began thinking like her and what was the focus of her discussion. Can you guess?
If you are a creative writer in search of making your writing more effective then try using Parallelism. So, then what is Parallelism? It is a crucial aspect of effective writing. It involves using consistent grammatical structure in a series of words, phrases, or clauses.
When employed correctly, parallel structure enhances the clarity and rhythm of your writing, making it more engaging for your readers.
If you are a writer who wants to improve clarity in your writing then parallel structure is important to you. It’s like a chef trying to prepare an exotic gourmet meal. Every ingredient needs to complement the others to create a harmonious dish.
Similarly, in writing, parallel structure is introduced so that your writing is presented in a balanced and organized manner.
It effortlessly enhances the overall flow of your writing preventing confusion and bringing more clarity to the written matter.
A simple way to understand Parallelism is by making lists popularly known as listicles and even they have a flow. Even mundane chores like a grocery list should be made logically.
When listing items, it’s crucial to maintain consistency in the grammatical structure.
Here are a few succinct examples of parallel structures that will make a big difference to your writing.
Non-parallel structure:
She enjoys writing, to painting, and reading books.
Parallel structure:
She enjoys writing, painting, and reading books.
In the first example, the lack of parallelism creates a jarring effect. By aligning the verbs (writing, painting,’ and ‘reading’) in the parallel structure, the second example becomes more polished and easier to read.
Parallel structure is not limited to lists; it is equally important in comparing and contrasting ideas. Let’s look at another example below:
Non-parallel structure:
Her commitment to the project is more intense than her colleagues who are hard workers.
Parallel structure:
Her commitment to the project is more intense than her colleagues’ dedication.
In this case, parallelism clarifies the comparison between “commitment” and “dedication,” making the sentence more coherent.
When crafting sentences with correlative conjunctions such as “either/or,” “neither/nor,” and “not only/but also,” maintaining parallel structure is paramount. Consider the following examples:
Non-parallel structure:
She is not only a talented writer but excels in marketing too.
Parallel structure:
She is not only a talented writer but also a skilled marketer.
By ensuring consistency in structure, the second example becomes more polished and effective.
These are some of the tips and tricks to enhance your parallel structure:
Identifying Parallel Elements:
I consider the practice of grammar to be almost equivalent to the study of mathematics. While 2+2= 4 in the same manner inserting verbs, nouns, adjectives, or any other parts of speech in the right order will give smooth clarity to sentences. These elements should be parallel to one another.
Using the Same Form: Ensure that elements within a series have the same grammatical form. If the first item is a verb, the subsequent items should also be verbs; if the first is a noun, the following items should follow suit.
Check Correlative Conjunctions: Pay special attention to sentences containing correlative conjunctions. Make sure that the paired elements connected by these conjunctions are structurally similar.
Revising and Editing:
A crucial aspect after the writing of the first draft which follows naturally is revising and editing your work. Looking for a lack of consistency in grammatical and parallel structure will improve your writing.
Reading Aloud:
Sometimes the mind can play games when playing with words and phrases. A sense of ambiguity clouds judgment in the usage of verbs, nouns, and adjectives. At this point reading your work loudly helps bring clarity. This helps identify awkward and non-parallel constructions. Your ears can often catch what your eyes might miss.
Lastly, if you are a writer who is dedicated to your craft and your curiosity to learn the minute and finer nuances of the English language, that will fuel your passion to write concise and precise grammar; then consider Parallelism. It will make a big difference to your style of writing and help you develop your unique voice, and make your craft stand out from the rest. Maintaining parallelism enhances the readability of your work. By incorporating these tips into your writing process, you can elevate the impact of your prose and create a more enjoyable experience for your readers.
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