Parallelism Flashcards
Parallelism
a group of words that need to be parallel when in the same if they are in the same category.
Ex. To undergo gastric bypass is to commit to…
“To undergo” and “to commit”
Ex. I like to watch the release of the doves and the changing of the guard.
“the release…” and “the changing…”
Ex. I like to eat ice cream and watch birds. (Incorrect)
(ice cream and birds not in the same category. ie. the person doesn’t eat birds also. Therefore, “to eat ice cream” and “to watch birds” must be parallel.)
Ex. She argues THAT the agency acts WITH reckless abandon AND WITH disregard for human life AND property, AND THAT is should therefore be shut down.
In searching for parallelism, search for parallel markers…Here is a list to be familiar with.
and (most common), both, either, not only, but also, rather than, to be (and its other forms such as is, are, was, were am, been, be, and being).
Here are some tricky ones to recognize.
Appear, become, feel, grow, look, remain, represent, resemble, seem, smell, sound, stay, taste, and turn.
