Parallel Structure of Words

In constructing sentences having similar or parallel forms, the following rules should be observed:

1. Use parallel structure with elements joined by the coordinating conjunctions for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

   Examples:

   1. In the beginning there was nothing: matter nor light existed.
      The parallel elements in the sentence are the nouns matter and light.
   2. The plants covered the new earth, and animals lived on it.
      The parallel patterns are also the nouns plants and animals
   3. Sa cursed Alatangana, for he eloped with Sa’s daughter.
      The parallel patterns are the verbs cursed and eloped.

2. Use parallel structure with elements in a list or in a series. Put a comma between three or more items joined by a coordinate conjunction.

   Examples:

   1. Alatangana condemned Sa for creating such a dirty place, for bringing his family to live in such a mess, and for having no light and life. (prepositional phrases)
   2. Sa explained that he cursed Alatangana, that he punished him, and that he would claim any of his children whenever he liked. (clauses)
   3. Alatangana recreated Sa’s world for the following reasons: to establish light in it, to put order in it, and to make it more livable. (infinitives)

3. Use parallel structure with elements being compared.

   Examples:

   1. Sa likes living in darkness better than living in light.
   2. Alatangana prefers to have a clean world rather than to have a dirty one.

4. Use parallel structure with elements joined by a linking verb or a verb of being.

   Examples:

   1. To create a vast sea of mud is to live in filth.
   2. To be content is to be happy.

5. Use parallel structure with elements joined by correlative conjunctions either… or, neither… nor, both… and, and not only… but (also).

   Examples:

   1. Alatangana not only knows his guilt, but also his debt to Sa.
   2. Either Sa lives in filth or he loses his daughter.
   3. Alatangana loved both his wife and his children.
   4. Neither Sa nor Alatangana could do anything about death.