Parallel structure, or parallelism, uses grammatical patterns of related words, phrases, or clauses. It enhances clarity and gives your writing a conversational rhythm.
Here’s how (with examples):
1. Enhance Clarity and Flow: Clarity is key to effective communication. Parallel structure makes your writing clearer and easier to follow. And it helps eliminate unnecessary words, leading to more concise writing.
Example:
- Non-parallel: “She enjoys reading books, to write poetry, and watching movies.”
- Parallel: “She enjoys reading books, writing poetry, and watching movies.”
2. Create a Conversational Tone: In conversational writing, rhythm is everything. Parallel structure helps add a rhythmic, almost lyrical quality that feels more conversational and impactful.
Example:
- Non-parallel: “I came, I saw, and conquered.”
- Parallel: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
3. Emphasize Key Points: When you use parallel structure, each point is clearer, punchier, and easier to act on. This kind of emphasis keeps your writing concise and impactful.
Example:
- Non-parallel: “To be successful, you need to work hard, staying focused, and being persistent.”
- Parallel: “To be successful, you need to work hard, stay focused, and be persistent.”
It’s a wrap: So, next time you sit down to write a blog post, an email, or a social media post, use parallel structure to make your writing more engaging and effective.