Parallel structure
54 flashcards covering Parallel structure for the SAT Reading & Writing section.
Parallel structure is a key element of clear writing where related words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence follow the same grammatical pattern. For instance, in a list like "She enjoys reading, writing, and painting," each activity uses a consistent verb form. This technique makes sentences smoother and easier to understand, avoiding awkwardness or confusion. On the SAT, parallel structure matters because it helps you spot errors in sentence construction, which is essential for improving your score in the Reading & Writing section.
In SAT questions, parallel structure typically appears in identifying sentence errors or choosing the best revision, often in passages or standalone items. Common traps include inconsistent verb tenses, mismatched phrases, or uneven lists that disrupt flow—such as mixing "running and to jump" instead of "running and jumping." Focus on checking for balance around words like "and," "or," or "but," as these signal where parallelism is needed.
A quick tip: Always scan lists or comparisons for matching structures to catch mistakes fast.
Terms (54)
- 01
What is parallel structure
Parallel structure is a grammatical principle where elements in a sentence that are similar in importance or function are expressed using the same grammatical form to create balance and clarity.
- 02
Parallel structure in a series
In a series of items, parallel structure requires that each item follow the same grammatical pattern, such as all nouns, all verbs, or all phrases, to maintain consistency.
- 03
Parallel structure with coordinating conjunctions
When using coordinating conjunctions like and, but, or or, the elements connected must be in the same grammatical form to ensure the sentence flows smoothly and avoids errors.
- 04
Parallel adjectives in a list
In a list of adjectives describing the same noun, each adjective should be in the same form, such as all simple adjectives or all comparative forms, for proper parallelism.
- 05
Parallel verbs in a sentence
Verbs in a sentence that are part of a list or connected by conjunctions must be in the same tense and form to uphold parallel structure.
- 06
Parallel nouns in a series
When listing nouns in a series, they should all be in the same grammatical form, such as all singular or all in the same phrase structure, to keep the sentence balanced.
- 07
Parallel phrases
Parallel phrases are groups of words that perform the same function in a sentence and must share the same structure, like starting with the same preposition or verb form.
- 08
Parallel clauses
In compound or complex sentences, independent or dependent clauses that are related should have matching grammatical structures to maintain parallelism.
- 09
Faulty parallelism example
Faulty parallelism occurs when elements that should be parallel are not, such as mixing a verb with a noun in a list, which can confuse the reader and is a common error on tests.
- 10
Correcting faulty parallelism
To correct faulty parallelism, rewrite the sentence so that all elements in the list or series use the same grammatical form, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy.
- 11
Parallel structure in comparisons
In comparisons using words like than or as, the elements being compared must be in the same grammatical form to make the comparison logical and parallel.
- 12
Not only... but also
In constructions with 'not only... but also', the phrases following 'not only' and 'but also' must be parallel in structure to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct.
- 13
Either... or
For 'either... or' pairs, the elements connected must match in grammatical form, such as both nouns or both verbs, to avoid parallelism errors.
- 14
Neither... nor
In 'neither... nor' constructions, the items linked must be parallel, meaning they should have the same grammatical structure for the sentence to be proper.
- 15
Both... and
When using 'both... and', the elements on either side must be in the same form, such as both adjectives or both phrases, to maintain parallel structure.
- 16
Parallel infinitives
Infinitives in a list or connected elements should be parallel, meaning they are all in the infinitive form without unnecessary variations in tense or structure.
- 17
Parallel gerunds
Gerunds, which are verbs ending in -ing used as nouns, must be in the same form when listed or compared to achieve parallel structure in a sentence.
- 18
Parallel structure with adverbs
Adverbs in a series or connected by conjunctions should be in the same form, such as all ending in -ly or all in the same comparative degree, for parallelism.
- 19
Strategy for identifying parallel errors
To identify parallel errors, read the sentence aloud and check if all items in a list or series sound equally balanced in structure; if not, revise for parallelism.
- 20
Common trap: mixed verb tenses
A common trap is mixing verb tenses in a list, which breaks parallel structure; ensure all verbs are in the same tense for correctness.
- 21
Parallel structure in complex sentences
In complex sentences with multiple clauses, ensure that related clauses have matching structures to avoid disrupting the overall parallel flow.
- 22
Parallel prepositional phrases
Prepositional phrases in a list must follow the same pattern, such as all starting with the same preposition, to maintain parallel structure.
- 23
Parallel structure in outlines
In sentence outlines or bullet points, each item should have the same grammatical form to reflect parallel structure accurately.
- 24
Why parallel structure matters
Parallel structure improves readability and emphasis in writing by making equal elements appear balanced, which is why it's tested for clarity on exams.
- 25
Parallel structure with participles
Participles in a sentence, such as those used in phrases, must be parallel in form when they serve similar functions to keep the sentence grammatically consistent.
- 26
Advanced: Parallelism in elliptical sentences
In elliptical sentences where words are omitted for brevity, the remaining elements must still maintain parallel structure to ensure the sentence makes sense.
- 27
Common SAT trap: Non-parallel lists
On the SAT, non-parallel lists often involve mixing parts of speech, like a noun followed by a clause, so always check for uniformity in form.
- 28
Parallel structure in pairs
When pairing elements with words like with or along with, ensure both parts are in the same grammatical form for proper parallelism.
- 29
Strategy for fixing parallel errors
To fix parallel errors, identify the non-parallel element and rewrite it to match the others in the series, using the same word type or structure.
- 30
Parallel structure in definitions
In definitions or explanations, parallel structure helps by listing characteristics in the same form, making the description clearer and more professional.
- 31
Parallel adjectives and adverbs together
When combining adjectives and adverbs in a sentence, ensure they are parallel if they modify similar elements, avoiding mismatched forms.
- 32
Parallel structure in quotes
In quoted material on tests, parallel structure must be maintained if you're editing or analyzing it, as it's key to effective writing.
- 33
Advanced: Subtle parallelism errors
Subtle errors involve slight mismatches, like a phrase versus a clause in a list, which require careful reading to spot on advanced test questions.
- 34
Parallel structure with numbers
When including numbers in a list, ensure they are presented in a parallel way, such as all as numerals or all as words, for consistency.
- 35
Common trap: Parallelism in questions
In question formats on the SAT, parallel structure errors might appear in answer choices, so compare options for balanced phrasing.
- 36
Parallel structure in transitions
Transitions like however or therefore should be part of parallel constructions if used in lists, maintaining the same structure around them.
- 37
Strategy: Use of repetition for parallelism
Repetition of grammatical patterns can help achieve parallelism, such as repeating a preposition in a list for emphasis and balance.
- 38
Parallel structure in appositives
Appositives, which rename nouns, should be parallel to the elements they describe if part of a series, ensuring grammatical harmony.
- 39
Advanced: Parallelism in compound predicates
In compound predicates, where multiple verbs share a subject, all verbs must be in the same form to preserve parallel structure.
- 40
Common trap: Mixing active and passive voice
Mixing active and passive voice in a list breaks parallel structure, so ensure all elements use the same voice for correctness.
- 41
Parallel structure in instructions
In instructional sentences, steps or actions should be listed in parallel form to make directions clear and easy to follow.
- 42
Strategy for testing parallelism
To test for parallelism, substitute words or mentally align elements; if they don't match, adjust to create a parallel structure.
- 43
Parallel structure with modifiers
Modifiers in a sentence, like adjectives or adverbs, must be parallel when they apply to the same base element to avoid confusion.
- 44
Advanced: Parallelism in correlative conjunctions
Correlative conjunctions like both... and require strict parallelism between the correlated elements for the sentence to be grammatically sound.
- 45
Common trap: Parallelism in complex lists
In lists with sub-items, ensure each level maintains parallel structure to prevent errors that could appear in test passages.
- 46
Parallel structure in summaries
When summarizing points, use parallel structure to list key ideas evenly, enhancing the summary's effectiveness.
- 47
Strategy: Rewriting for parallelism
Rewriting sentences by aligning elements to the same pattern is a key strategy for achieving parallel structure on writing tests.
- 48
Parallel structure with clauses and phrases
Mixing clauses and phrases in a list requires them to be parallel in function, though this is less common and more advanced.
- 49
Advanced: Detecting implied parallelism
Implied parallelism involves recognizing when elements should be parallel even if not explicitly listed, a nuance in higher-level test questions.
- 50
Common trap: Parallelism in idioms
Idiomatic expressions on tests might hide parallelism errors, so check if the phrasing follows standard parallel patterns.
- 51
Parallel structure in examples
When providing examples in writing, use parallel structure to present them consistently, which is often tested in editing tasks.
- 52
Strategy: Checklist for parallelism
A quick checklist includes checking verb forms, noun types, and phrase structures in lists to ensure everything is parallel before finalizing.
- 53
Advanced: Parallelism in rhetorical devices
In rhetorical devices like anaphora, parallel structure enhances effect, and understanding this can help in analyzing test passages.
- 54
Final strategy: Practice with sentences
Practicing with sample sentences helps master parallel structure by identifying and correcting errors, a essential skill for SAT success.