Grammar rules to write by

1. Grammar rules to write by Parallel Structure

2. What it means • Using parallel structure means using the same grammatical form to express two or more equal, or parallel ideas. • Example • Incorrect: Amanda’s favorite forms of exercise are swimming and to run. • Correct: Amanda’s favorite forms of exercise are swimming and running.

3. Using parallel structure • When comparing and contrasting ideas • Example: • Incorrect: Reading novels no longer interests me as much as to read poems. • Correct: Reading novels no longer interests me as much as reading poems. • When you link ideas with correlative conjunctions (both … and, either … or, neither … nor, and not only … but also) • Example: • Incorrect: The medicine woman was revered not only for her healing abilities but also because she possessed wisdom. • Correct: The medicine woman was revered not only for her healing abilities but also for her wisdom.

4. Using parallel structure • To avoid awkwardness and confusion, place correlative conjunctions directly before the parallel terms. • Example: • Incorrect: Shawna considered both pursuing careers in law and in journalism. • Correct: Shawna considered pursuing careers both in law and in journalism.

5. Using parallel structure • You will often need to repeat an article, a preposition, or a pronoun before each each of the parallel terms to make your meaning clear. • Example: • Incorrect: Before leaving the store, I talked to the clerk and manager. • Correct: Before leaving the store, I talked to the clerk and the manager. • To clarify your meaning, you will often need to add a few words to the second part of the sentence. • Example: • Incorrect: I enjoyed the singing of the opera’s soprano more than the tenor. • Correct: I enjoyed the singing of the opera’s soprano more than that of the tenor.