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Parallelism
Need a brief
review of parts of speech? It might help you to understand parallelism
better.
"Parallel" form isn't just for downhill skiing! You need it in your
writing too. Parallel forms show good style. Lack of parallelism sounds awkward.
Usually parallelism shows up in lists. Remember, if one item is a noun, they
all have to be nouns.
Wrong: I like movies, dancing, and to go skiing.
Right: I like movies, dancing, and skiing.
Wrong: We need to get money, go grocery shopping, and let's remember
to stop at the cleaner's.
Right: We need to get money, go grocery shopping, and stop at the cleaner's.
Clauses have to be parallel too!
Example:
Wrong: If you'll wash the dishes, I would vacuum the rugs.
(The verbs are "will wash" and "would vacuum.")
Right: If you'll wash the dishes, I'll vacuum the rugs.
(Now the verbs are "will wash" and "will vacuum.")
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