Checkpoint 8 · Grammar in Use

Parallelism: Balanced Lists and Patterns

How to keep lists, pairs and comparisons grammatically parallel, and how writers use parallel patterns such as the pattern of three for rhythm and persuasion, with practice and answers.

British & IGCSE › Checkpoint 8 › Checkpoint 8 English (Cambridge Lower Secondary 0861)

1. What parallelism is

Parallelism (parallel structure) means that items joined in a list or pair use the same grammatical form: equal ideas, equal grammar. If the first item is an -ing word, they all are. If the first is to + verb, they all are. If the first is an adjective, they all are.

Parallel sentences are easier to read and sound balanced and controlled. Broken parallelism sounds clumsy, and an examiner notices it.

Key words

Parallelism / parallel structure: matching grammatical forms in a list, pair or comparison.
Pattern of three (tricolon): three parallel words, phrases or clauses together.
Repetition: using the same word or structure again for effect.

2. Lists

Not parallel	Parallel
I enjoy swimming, reading and to cook.	I enjoy swimming, reading and cooking.
The hotel was clean, modern and had comfort.	The hotel was clean, modern and comfortable.
She wants to travel, learning languages and meet people.	She wants to travel, learn languages and meet people.
The guide told us to stay together, not touching the walls and that we should keep quiet.	The guide told us to stay together, not to touch the walls and to keep quiet.
He ran quickly, quietly and with care.	He ran quickly, quietly and carefully.

The quick check

Underline the first word of each item in the list. Do they all have the same form (all -ing, all to + verb, all adjectives, all nouns, all clauses)? If one is different, change it to match.

3. Pairs and comparisons

Items joined by paired conjunctions must also match: both... and, either... or, neither... nor, not only... but also. Put the same type of word straight after each part.

Not parallel	Parallel
She is not only clever but also has kindness.	She is not only clever but also kind.
You can either take the bus or walking.	You can either take the bus or walk.
The plan is both cheap and it is simple.	The plan is both cheap and simple.
Swimming is healthier than to sit at a screen.	Swimming is healthier than sitting at a screen.
I would rather read a book than watching a film.	I would rather read a book than watch a film.

4. Parallelism as a technique in reading

In reading: parallel structure is a technique, especially in speeches and persuasive writing: We will build it, we will protect it, and we will never give it up. Its effect: it creates a strong rhythm, builds emphasis towards a climax and makes the message memorable and persuasive. (It may also be described as repetition or a pattern of three.)

Pattern of three: Our town needs safer roads, cleaner parks and better schools. Three parallel items sound complete and convincing.
Repeated sentence openings: Imagine a city without traffic. Imagine streets full of trees. Imagine children playing safely. This builds emotion and pushes the reader to picture the idea.
Balanced contrasts: It is not a problem for tomorrow. It is a problem for today. The matching halves make the contrast sharp and memorable.
In fiction, parallel short sentences can build tension: He waited. He listened. He held his breath.

Exam-style example. We cannot wait for others to act. We cannot hope the problem will disappear. We must act now.

Question: What is the effect of the repeated structure in these sentences? Answer: The repeated We cannot... builds a rhythm that leads to the final, different sentence We must act now, so the call to action stands out. It makes the speaker sound determined and urgent and makes the reader feel the need to act.

5. Using parallelism in your writing

Check every list in your writing has matching forms.
In persuasive texts and speeches, use one or two deliberate patterns of three or repeated openings for impact. Do not overuse them.
In stories, use short parallel sentences at the tense moment.
In formal writing, keep paired conjunctions balanced (not only... but also).

التوازي (parallelism)

لو عندك لستة، كل الحاجات لازم تكون من نفس الشكل: كلها ing أو كلها to + فعل أو كلها صفات.
غلط: swimming, reading and to cook. صح: swimming, reading and cooking.
في الخطبة والمقال الإقناعي، التكرار بنفس الشكل (We will... We will...) بيعمل إيقاع قوي ويخلّي الرسالة تتحفظ.

6. Practice

Correct: The new park is safe, clean and has a lot of space.
Show answer
The new park is safe, clean and spacious.
We will clean our streets, we will protect our parks, and we will plant our future. What is the effect of this pattern? (2 marks)
Show answer
The three clauses have the same structure (we will + verb + our...), creating a strong rhythm that builds to a climax. It makes the message memorable and persuasive and makes the speaker sound determined and united with the audience.
Correct: At the weekend I like hiking, to play chess and visiting my grandparents.
Show answer
At the weekend I like hiking, playing chess and visiting my grandparents.
Correct: The job requires patience, being creative and that you work hard.
Show answer
The job requires patience, creativity and hard work.
Correct: My brother is not only funny but also has generosity.
Show answer
My brother is not only funny but also generous.
Correct: Reading on paper is easier on the eyes than to read on a screen.
Show answer
Reading on paper is easier on the eyes than reading on a screen.
Write one sentence with a pattern of three to persuade students to join a school club.
Show answer
Example: Join the debate club to build your confidence, sharpen your thinking and make new friends. (three parallel to + verb phrases)
She searched the kitchen. She searched the garden. She searched every room. The key was gone. Why does the writer repeat She searched?
Show answer
The repetition shows how long and desperate the search is and builds tension, so the short final sentence The key was gone has a strong impact.

Remember

Equal ideas, equal grammar. Check lists, paired conjunctions and comparisons. In reading, parallel patterns create rhythm, emphasis and a memorable message.

All pages in this course

Start here: the exam

Grammar and Punctuation

Grammar in Use

Reading Skills

Writing: Non-fiction

Writing: Fiction