Mastering Parallelism in Writing: Coordinated and Correlative Ideas
Parallelism is essential for clarity and rhythm in writing, especially when coordinating and contrasting ideas. Effective use of parallel structures enhances readability, allowing for smoother transitions and a more engaging narrative. This guide explores various parallel constructions, including coordinated ideas with conjunctions like "and," "but," or "nor," as well as correlative constructions such as "not only...but also." Learn how to apply these techniques with examples that demonstrate parallel treatment, enabling you to craft coherent and persuasive sentences.
Mastering Parallelism in Writing: Coordinated and Correlative Ideas
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Presentation Transcript
Parallelism Three sentence elements which commonly require parallel treatment: Coordinated ideas Compared and contrasted ideas Correlative Constructions
Coordinate ideas: • Use and, but, or, nor, for, yet • The committee studied all aspects of the problem—humane, political, and cost. • Adj. Adj. N.
Compared or contrasted ideas • AS • Water-skiing no longer interests me as much as to go scuba diving.
Correlative Constructionsboth…andeither…orneither…nornot only…but also
Examples….correlatives • To gain entrance they tried BOTH persuasion AND to force their way in. • Revised:
Revise: • The new clerk soon proved herself to be NOT ONLY capable BUT ALSO a woman who could be trusted.
Revise: • The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner.
Revise: • The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
Revise: • The doors in the cottage were not only too narrow but also were too short.
Revise: • I was counseled either to quit my job or ask for a higher wage.
Revise: • Either you leave town by the train or by the road.
Revise: • In our society, the elderly feel alienated, because they are confined in retirement homes, their unattractive representation in the media, and the capitalist economy deems them unproductive.