• September 26, 2025

Parallel Structure Examples: Improve Writing Flow & Avoid Common Errors (Practical Guide)

Ever read a sentence that just felt… off? Like stumbling on an uneven sidewalk? Chances are, you tripped over faulty parallelism. I remember grading papers last semester – one student wrote they loved “reading, hiking, and to nap.” Made me twitch. That’s what happens when parallel structure goes wrong.

But honestly? Most guides overcomplicate this. You don’t need a linguistics degree. You just need clear parallel structure examples and why they matter. Let’s cut the jargon.

What Exactly IS Parallel Structure? (Plain English Version)

Think of it like matching your shoes. You wouldn’t wear one sneaker and one high heel for a run (well, maybe you would, but it’s awkward). Parallel structure means using the same grammatical pattern for parts of a sentence doing the same job. Verbs with verbs. Nouns with nouns. -ing words with -ing words. Simple as that.

Why bother? Sentences with good parallelism are:
- Easier to read (flow matters, folks)
- Easier to understand (no mental gymnastics needed)
- More persuasive and professional (resume writers, listen up!)

I see this all the time online. LinkedIn posts that mix verb tenses? Emails with jumbled lists? They lose impact fast. Good parallel structure examples show you how to avoid that.

Everyday Parallel Structure Examples You Can Actually Use

Forget textbook stuff. Here’s where you’ll actually trip up, with fixes you can steal:

Verb Form Chaos (The #1 Offender)

Mixing infinitives (-to verbs) with gerunds (-ing verbs) is super common. See it?

Non-Parallel (Ugh)Parallel (Ahhh)Why It Works
She excels at coding, debugging, and to present her work. She excels at coding, debugging, and presenting her work. All gerunds (-ing forms) acting as nouns.
My goals are to finish the report, learn Python, and networking more. My goals are to finish the report, to learn Python, and to network more.
OR
My goals are finishing the report, learning Python, and networking more.
Either all infinitives OR all gerunds. Pick one lane!

That second one? I caught myself writing something similar in an email last week. Had to fix it before sending. Embarrassing, but proof everyone slips.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

Lists need consistency. Nouns playing with nouns, verbs playing with verbs.

Non-Parallel (Clunky)Parallel (Smooth)Key Fix
The job requires precision, being organized, and patience. The job requires precision, organization, and patience. All nouns.
We need to hire a designer, the development of a prototype, and testing. We need to hire a designer, to develop a prototype, and to test it.
OR
We need hiring a designer, developing a prototype, and testing it.
Consistent verb forms (infinitives or gerunds).

See how the parallel examples just feel better? Less brain work.

Conjunction Junction Disfunction (And, Or, But)

Words like "and," "or," "but," "yet" connect equal ideas. Those ideas need equal structure.

Conjunction PairCommon MistakeParallel FixPro Tip
Not only... but also He not only plays guitar but also the piano. He not only plays guitar but also plays piano.
OR
He not only plays guitar but also composes music.
After "not only" and "but also" must be grammatically equal (both verbs, both nouns).
Either... or / Neither... nor You can either pay now or later payment. You can either pay now or pay later.
OR
You can either make payment now or make payment later.
Structure after "either" must match structure after "or".

This "not only... but also" one drives me nuts on resumes. Seriously, folks, it weakens your whole application.

Why You Absolutely Need Good Parallel Structure (Beyond Grammar Class)

This isn't just about pleasing English teachers. Real-world impact is huge:

Resumes & Cover Letters (Land That Interview!)

Recruiters scan fast. Non-parallel bullet points look sloppy and get skipped.

  • Bad: "Responsible for developing schedules, client communication, and to report issues."
  • Good: "Developed schedules, managed client communication, and reported issues." (Strong action verbs!)

See the difference? The good example uses powerful, parallel verbs. Shows competence instantly. Foundational parallel structure examples for career docs.

Presentations & Public Speaking (Keep Them Awake)

Audiences subconsciously track patterns. Parallelism makes your points memorable.

  • Weak: "Our strategy focuses on growth, being innovative, and to reduce costs."
  • Strong: "Our strategy focuses on growing revenue, innovating processes, and reducing costs."

Parallel structure examples like this create rhythm. People remember rhythm. I used this trick in a conference talk last year – got way more questions afterward.

Marketing & Web Copy (Convert Readers)

You want clarity and punch. Jumbled lists kill sales.

  • Confusing: "Our software is fast, easy to use, and reliability."
  • Clear & Compelling: "Our software is fast, intuitive, and reliable." (All adjectives)

Parallel structure examples here build trust through clarity.

Tricky Situations: Parallel Structure Examples When It Gets Weird

Okay, not everything is a simple list. What about clauses? Comparisons?

Comparisons (Than, As)

Comparing apples to apples grammatically.

Writing code is sometimes easier than to debug it. Comparing a gerund (writing) to an infinitive (to debug). Mismatch!
Writing code is sometimes easier than debugging it.
To write code is sometimes easier than to debug it.
Now both sides are the same structure (gerunds or infinitives).

Subtle, but makes a difference in clarity.

After a Colon (The List Introducer)

What follows the colon needs parallel elements if it's a list.

The project has three goals: increase sales, customer satisfaction, and to improve efficiency. Messy mix of verb, noun, infinitive.
The project has three goals: to increase sales, to boost customer satisfaction, and to improve efficiency.
The project has three goals: increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and greater efficiency.
Parallel infinitives OR parallel adjective-noun pairs.

Top 5 Parallel Structure Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Instantly)

Based on years of editing (and making these errors myself):

  1. The Verb Form Mix-Up: Combining infinitives and gerunds in a list.
    Fix: Pick one verb form (-ing or -to) and stick to it throughout the list.
  2. The Noun/Verb Identity Crisis: Switching between nouns and verbs describing similar actions.
    Fix: Decide: are you listing actions (verbs) or things/concepts (nouns)? Be consistent.
  3. Correlative Conjunction Carnage: Messing up the structure after "not only/but also," "either/or," etc.
    Fix: What comes immediately after the first part (e.g., "not only") MUST match grammatically what comes after the second part (e.g., "but also").
  4. Prepositional Phrase Pandemonium: Forgetting that prepositions need consistent objects.
    Fix: If you start a list with "at [gerund]" or "by [noun]", continue it the same way. (Interested in learning and collaboration)(Interested in learning and collaborating)
  5. The Clause Mismatch: Using clauses of different weights or structures when they should be parallel.
    Fix: Ensure dependent clauses or phrases serving the same function have the same introductory words and structure.

FAQs: Your Burning Parallel Structure Questions Answered

Is parallel structure *really* that important in emails or texts?

Honestly? Depends. Quick texts to friends? Nah. Important work email trying to make a point, request action, or look professional? Absolutely. Poor parallelism makes you sound less credible. Foundational parallel structure examples apply even casually if clarity matters. Ever read an email with a messy list? You stumble over it.

Do I need parallel structure everywhere in a sentence?

Nope! Only for elements that are logically connected and performing the same grammatical function – typically items in a series, elements joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), or parts linked by correlative conjunctions (not only...but also). Don't overthink unrelated parts.

Can I break parallelism for style or emphasis?

Sometimes, yes – but sparingly and deliberately. Skilled writers break rules knowingly for effect. If you're asking this question, stick with parallelism for now. Master the basics before bending them. Breaking it accidentally just looks like a mistake.

How do I easily check my own writing for parallelism errors?

Best trick: Read your lists or "and/or/but" constructions OUT LOUD. Does it stumble? Does one part feel heavier or grammatically different than the others? That's your clue. Highlight just the parallel elements and see if they look alike. Simple parallel structure examples train your ear.

Does this apply to bullet point lists?

100% Yes! Probably the MOST important place for it. Bullet points are meant to be scanned quickly. If they start with different verb forms or parts of speech, it looks chaotic and unprofessional. Start each with a strong, parallel verb whenever possible.

What about sentences using 'than' or 'as' for comparison?

Absolutely crucial! The things you're comparing need to be grammatically similar. "She likes running more than to swim." sounds off because you're comparing "running" (gerund) to "to swim" (infinitive). "She likes running more than swimming." or "She likes to run more than to swim." fixes it. Solid parallel structure examples prevent comparison confusion.

Parallel Structure Power Toolbox: Quick Reference Guide

SituationRule of ThumbCommon MistakeQuick Fix
Simple Lists (and, or) All items same part of speech (all verbs, all nouns, all adjectives). Buy milk, eggs, and to get bread. Buy milk, eggs, and bread. OR Get milk, get eggs, and get bread.
Correlative Conjunctions (not only/but also, either/or, neither/nor) Structure immediately after first part MUST equal structure after second part. She not only wrote the code but also the documentation. She not only wrote the code but also wrote the documentation. OR She wrote not only the code but also the documentation.
After a Colon or Dash The listed items must be parallel to each other. Bring: sleeping bag, water bottles, and cooking. Bring: sleeping bag, water bottles, and cooking gear. OR Bring: sleeping bag, water bottles, and stove.
Prepositional Phrases If starting a list with a preposition pattern, continue it. He's skilled at analyzing data and problem-solving. He's skilled at analyzing data and at solving problems. OR He's skilled at data analysis and problem solving.
Comparisons (than, as) Things compared must be grammatically similar. I prefer walking than to drive. I prefer walking than driving. OR I prefer to walk than to drive.

Putting It Into Practice: Editing Your Own Stuff

Don't just read about parallel structure examples – use them! Here's a simple process:

  1. Hunt the Lists & Joins: Scan your writing for any lists (commas + "and/or") or sentences using "and," "but," "or," "not only...but also," "either...or," "neither...nor." Also look for comparisons using "than" or "as."
  2. Isolate the Parallel Elements: Highlight JUST the words or phrases connected by those conjunctions or comparisons.
  3. The Match Test: Do these highlighted parts look alike? Are they all verbs ending the same way? All nouns? All starting with "to"? All adjectives? If one is a verb and one is a noun, it's a fail.
  4. Fix & Smooth: Rewrite the non-matching part(s) to mimic the structure of the matching one(s). Choose the strongest/most common pattern in the list.
  5. Read Aloud: Seriously, this is the ultimate test. Your ear catches awkwardness your eye misses.

Try it on this terrible sentence I drafted:
"A good manager focuses on setting clear goals, communication effectively, team support, and to delegate tasks."
* Hunt & Isolate: "setting", "communication", "team support", "to delegate" – all objects of "on".
* Match Test: "setting" (gerund), "communication" (noun), "team support" (noun phrase), "to delegate" (infinitive). Nope!
* Fix & Smooth: Pick gerunds:
"A good manager focuses on setting clear goals, communicating effectively, supporting the team, and delegating tasks."
* Read Aloud: The first version stumbles. The fix flows. Done!

Better parallel structure examples emerge naturally when you practice this. It becomes second nature eventually.

Final Thoughts: Why This Actually Matters to You

Look, I get it. Grammar rules can feel nitpicky. But parallel structure isn't about pleasing some dusty rulebook. It's about clarity and impact.

When your sentences flow smoothly because of proper parallel structure, people understand you faster. They trust your message more because it sounds professional and polished. Whether it's a critical email, a resume that needs to stand out, a report for your boss, or even a social media post you want people to take seriously – parallelism makes it work better.

It’s not about being perfect. I still catch myself making mistakes sometimes, especially when drafting fast. The key is recognizing it in the edit. Use the tools and parallel structure examples here. Hunt those lists. Read aloud. You'll be amazed how much cleaner and stronger your writing becomes.

Just remember: match your grammatical shoes. Sneakers with sneakers. Boots with boots. Verbs with verbs. Your readers (and maybe even your future boss) will thank you for the smoother journey.

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