What is parallel structure?

What is parallel structure?

• A. Parallel structure uses different grammatical forms in a series.
• B. Parallel structure uses the same grammatical form in a series or comparison.
• C. Parallel structure is only about punctuation.
• D. Parallel structure means writing in passive voice.

Answer: (B)

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for items in a list or in a comparison. When you present several ideas together, keeping the same form—such as all -ing verbs or all infinitives—creates a smooth, balanced rhythm and clear meaning. For example, saying “She enjoys hiking, swimming, and biking” uses the same -ing form for every item, which sounds right and reads clearly. If you mix forms—like “hiking, to swim, and biking”—the sentence feels unbalanced and less natural. In comparisons, parallel structure also keeps the parts matching, for instance, “not only to win but also to break records” uses the same form throughout. Punctuation helps separate the items, but the beat comes from matching word forms, not from punctuation or voice.

Parallel structure means using the same grammatical form for items in a list or in a comparison. When you present several ideas together, keeping the same form—such as all -ing verbs or all infinitives—creates a smooth, balanced rhythm and clear meaning. For example, saying “She enjoys hiking, swimming, and biking” uses the same -ing form for every item, which sounds right and reads clearly. If you mix forms—like “hiking, to swim, and biking”—the sentence feels unbalanced and less natural. In comparisons, parallel structure also keeps the parts matching, for instance, “not only to win but also to break records” uses the same form throughout. Punctuation helps separate the items, but the beat comes from matching word forms, not from punctuation or voice.