Which Phrase Is The Best Example Of Parallelism

Which Phrase is the Best Example of Parallelism? Mastering the Art of Balanced Sentence Structure

Parallelism, the artful arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in a grammatically similar structure, is a powerful tool in crafting compelling and effective writing. It enhances readability, clarifies meaning, and adds a pleasing rhythm to your prose. But choosing the best example of parallelism often depends on context and desired effect. This article dives deep into the nuances of parallelism, exploring various examples and offering a framework for identifying and employing this rhetorical device effectively.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Parallelism

Before we delve into specific examples, let's solidify our understanding of parallelism's core principles. Essentially, parallelism means using the same grammatical structure to express related ideas. This structural consistency creates a sense of balance and emphasizes the interconnectedness of the ideas presented. Think of it as a grammatical mirror reflecting the equal weight and importance of different elements within a sentence or paragraph.

Common Structures for Parallelism:

• Nouns: "He enjoyed swimming, hiking, and reading." (All nouns)
• Verbs: "She ran, jumped, and laughed with joy." (All verbs)
• Adjectives: "The house was spacious, modern, and stylish." (All adjectives)
• Phrases: "He went to the store, to buy milk, and to pick up dry cleaning." (All infinitive phrases)
• Clauses: "I believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and that we should all work together to achieve equality, and that we must never give up hope." (All independent clauses)

Why Use Parallelism?

The benefits extend beyond mere aesthetics:

• Clarity: Parallel structure makes your writing easier to understand. The reader's brain anticipates the pattern, processing information more efficiently.
• Emphasis: By highlighting the symmetry of the ideas, you emphasize their equal importance.
• Rhythm and Flow: Parallelism creates a natural rhythm and flow in your writing, making it more engaging and memorable.
• Persuasiveness: The balanced structure adds weight and authority to your arguments.

Analyzing Examples of Parallelism: A Comparative Approach

Let's examine several phrases and analyze them to determine which best exemplifies parallelism, considering different contexts and levels of complexity.

Example 1:

• A: "He was tall, dark, and handsome."
• B: "He was tall, had dark hair, and was handsome."
• C: "He was tall, possessing dark hair, and of handsome appearance."

Analysis:

Phrase A is the clearest and most effective example of parallelism here. All three adjectives ("tall," "dark," "handsome") modify the subject "He" in a parallel structure. Phrase B breaks the parallelism by using a verb phrase ("had dark hair") instead of an adjective. Phrase C is grammatically correct but less concise and rhythmic. The use of prepositional phrases disrupts the flow and weakens the impact. Therefore, A is the best example of parallelism in this context.

Example 2:

• A: "She likes to swim, to dance, and sing."
• B: "She likes swimming, dancing, and singing."
• C: "She enjoys swimming, dancing, and she also enjoys singing."

Analysis:

This example highlights the importance of consistency. Phrase B provides the best example of parallelism as all three elements are gerunds (verb forms acting as nouns). Phrase A uses a mix of infinitives and a gerund, breaking the parallel structure. Phrase C introduces unnecessary words, cluttering the sentence and disrupting the rhythm. Thus, B is the superior example of parallelism here.

Example 3: (More complex example, demonstrating parallelism in longer phrases)

• A: "The team worked diligently, they collaborated effectively, and completed the project on time."
• B: "The team worked diligently, collaborated effectively, and completed the project on time."
• C: "The team diligently worked, effectively collaborated, and completed the project on time."

Analysis:

Phrase B offers the most concise and parallel structure. All three verbs ("worked," "collaborated," "completed") are in the past tense and modify the subject "team." Phrase A is problematic because of the unnecessary use of "they," creating an abrupt shift in structure. Phrase C, while grammatically correct, uses adverbial placement that slightly disrupts the rhythm and flow compared to the directness of B. Therefore, B is the preferred example of parallelism for its clarity and conciseness.

Example 4: (Illustrating faulty parallelism)

• A: "Reading books, to watch movies, and listening to music are my hobbies."
• B: "Reading books, watching movies, and listening to music are my hobbies."

Analysis: This demonstrates faulty parallelism. Phrase A mixes a gerund phrase ("Reading books"), an infinitive phrase ("to watch movies"), and a gerund phrase ("listening to music"). Phrase B corrects the error by using gerunds consistently across all three elements, creating elegant parallel structure. B is the correct and parallel sentence.

Advanced Parallelism: Beyond Simple Sentences

Parallelism extends beyond simple sentence structures. Consider its application in more complex contexts:

Parallelism in Lists:

When presenting lists, maintaining a consistent grammatical structure is crucial. Each item in the list should follow the same grammatical pattern. For example:

"To succeed in life, you need to work hard, to be persistent, and to believe in yourself." (This is less effective because of the use of infinitive phrases)

"To succeed in life, you need hard work, persistence, and self-belief." (This improved version uses a consistent noun structure)

Parallelism in Compound Sentences:

Parallelism can enhance compound sentences (sentences containing two or more independent clauses).

Incorrect: "She sings beautifully, and she plays the piano expertly."

Correct: "She sings beautifully, and she plays the piano with expertise." (While both are acceptable, maintaining a consistent level of phrasing provides better parallelism)

Parallelism in Complex Sentences:

Even within complex sentences (sentences containing one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses), the principles of parallelism still apply:

"Although she faced many challenges, she persevered, remained positive, and ultimately achieved her goals."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Parallelism

• Mixing grammatical structures: Don’t mix gerunds, infinitives, and noun phrases within a single parallel structure. Maintain consistency.
• Inconsistent verb tenses: Use the same verb tense for all parallel elements.
• Unequal grammatical weight: Ensure that all parallel elements contribute equally to the sentence’s meaning. Avoid excessively short or long phrases in a parallel series.
• Ignoring the coordinating conjunctions: Properly use coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to connect parallel elements, particularly in lists or compound sentences.
• Overuse: Although parallelism is powerful, avoid overusing it. Too much parallelism can become monotonous.

Conclusion: The Art of Balanced Expression

Mastering parallelism significantly enhances your writing. By understanding its principles and employing them correctly, you achieve clarity, rhythm, and emphasis, making your writing both persuasive and aesthetically pleasing. While identifying the absolute best example of parallelism depends heavily on the specific context, using the principles of consistency and conciseness guides you toward creating well-structured and impactful writing that aligns with your message. Practice makes perfect; experiment with various structures and refine your approach to parallelism to elevate your writing to new heights.