Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a key aspect of writing that is often overlooked. It refers to the repetition of words, phrases, or grammatical structures within a sentence or paragraph. While it may seem like a simple concept, the impact of parallel structure on writing should not be underestimated. In fact, mastering parallel structure can greatly enhance the clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness of your writing. In this article, we will delve into the importance of parallel structure and how it can elevate your writing to the next level.
Impact of Parallel Structure on Writing
Parallel structure, also known as parallelism, is a literary technique used to enhance the rhythm, flow and impact of written works. It involves structuring sentences or phrases in such a way that they have a similar grammatical form. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry in writing, making it more appealing and effective. The use of parallel structure can greatly impact the quality and effectiveness of writing in various ways. In this article, we will explore the impact of parallel structure on writing and how it can elevate the overall quality of written works.
Enhance Clarity and Coherence
One of the key benefits of using parallel structure in writing is that it enhances clarity and coherence. When sentences or phrases have a similar structure, it becomes easier for readers to understand the intended message. This is because parallel structure creates a sense of consistency and predictability, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of ideas.
For example, consider the following sentence:
She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to take long walks in the park.
This sentence lacks parallel structure, which can make it confusing to read. However, with parallel structure, the sentence can be written as:
She enjoys hiking, swimming, and taking long walks in the park.
In this revised sentence, all the activities are in the same verb form, making it easier for readers to understand and follow the writers thoughts.
Parallel structure can also be helpful in maintaining the overall coherence of a written work. By using consistent sentence structures, writers can avoid abrupt shifts in writing style, tense, or tone. This helps to keep the reader engaged and focused on the main ideas being presented.
Emphasize Important Ideas
The use of parallel structure can also be a powerful tool in emphasizing important ideas in writing. By using similar grammatical structures, writers can draw attention to specific phrases and concepts, making them stand out and leaving a lasting impression on readers.
For instance, lets look at the following sentence:
She loves to read, write, and her passion is painting.
In this sentence, the phrase "her passion is painting" stands out as it does not follow the same structure as the other two activities. However, with parallel structure, the sentence can be rewritten as:
She loves to read, write, and paint.
In this revised sentence, the phrase "paint" is given equal emphasis as the other activities, making it more impactful and memorable for readers.
Similarly, parallel structure can also be used to emphasize key points in longer pieces of writing such as essays or reports. By structuring sentences in a similar fashion, writers can create a sense of rhythm and repetition, which can help drive home important ideas and arguments.
Create a Professional Tone
In addition to enhancing clarity and emphasizing important ideas, parallel structure can also contribute to the overall tone and style of writing. In many cases, parallel structure is commonly used in formal writing to create a professional and polished tone.
For example, consider the following paragraph from an academic essay:
The study aims to assess the impact of social media on the mental health of teenagers. It will examine the various ways in which social media can affect the well-being of young people, and it will provide recommendations for parents and caregivers on how to monitor and regulate their childrens social media usage.
In this paragraph, parallel structure is used to maintain a formal and professional tone. The repetition of the phrase "it will" adds a sense of structure and organization to the writing, making it more polished and credible.
Similarly, in business writing, parallel structure is often used to convey a sense of professionalism and authority. By using consistent sentence structures, writers can present themselves as knowledgeable and organized, which can help to establish trust with readers.
Avoid Common Grammatical Errors
Another significant impact of parallel structure on writing is that it helps to avoid common grammatical errors. In many cases, sentences or phrases may be grammatically correct when read individually, but when combined, they may create an awkward and confusing sentence structure.
For instance, consider the following sentence:
She likes to run marathons, going on bike rides, and skiing in the winter.
The use of parallelism here can help to improve the sentence structure and avoid any potential confusion for readers. It can be written as:
She likes to run marathons, go on bike rides, and ski in the winter.
By making these small changes, the sentence becomes easier to read and understand, and the parallel structure helps to avoid any potential grammatical errors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, parallel structure plays a crucial role in writing by enhancing clarity, emphasizing important ideas, creating a professional tone, and avoiding common grammatical errors. As writers, understanding and utilizing this technique can greatly improve the quality and impact of our written works. So the next time you sit down to write, remember to incorporate parallel structure to elevate your writing to the next level.
For more tips on how to improve your writing, check out "How Does Parallel Structure Affect Writing" at https://countwordsfree.com/blog/post/the-dos-and-donts-of-college-essay-writing. Happy writing!
In conclusion, the use of parallel structure in writing has a significant impact on the overall quality and effectiveness of the written piece. By organizing ideas and phrases in a similar structure, parallelism can create a sense of balance and rhythm, making the writing more engaging and memorable for the reader. It also helps to clarify and emphasize key points, making the content easier to comprehend. Whether it is used in sentences, paragraphs, or larger sections, parallel structure adds a professional and polished touch to any piece of writing. Therefore, it is a crucial aspect to consider when striving to create clear, concise, and impactful writing. By incorporating parallel structure into our writing, we can elevate its quality and leave a lasting impression on our readers.
