When writing any type of list, it is crucial that all of the items within the list are consistent with each other, both in language and in content. For instance, if you establish a list using nouns, then all items should be nouns. The same is true for verbs, adjectives, numbers, etc. Framing your lists using parallel structure not only ensures that your writing will be stylistically pleasing, but also that your reader will clearly understand you.
The following examples will show errors and corrections of various parallel constructions.
Example 1:
Before I went home, I needed to go to the grocery, the post office, and get a haircut.
While this may seem clear enough at first glance, the sentence becomes inconsistent in the final clause. In the first two items of the list, the author is naming specific places. In the third, the author shifts into describing a particular action.
This sentence can be improved in two ways:
Solution 1–Make all items consistent places:
Before I went home, I needed to go to the grocery store, the post office, and the barber shop.
Solution 2—Make all items consistent actions:
Before I went home, I needed to pick up some groceries, mail some packages, and get a haircut.
Example 2:
In the following essay, I will show how global warming has already impacted our
weather patterns, how it will continue to impact us in the future, and anybody who
doesn’t believe it is happening is not facing the truth.
This example starts out with two clear and achievable objectives that are framed by “how” statements. The third item in the list not only abandons this predictable rhythmic pattern, but completely shifts tone and purpose. Stay tonally consistent.
Solution:
In the following essay, I will show how global warming has already impacted
our weather patterns, how it will continue to impact us in the future, and how it
is crucial to understand the reality and significance of this issue.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University
The following examples will show errors and corrections of various parallel constructions.
Example 1:
Before I went home, I needed to go to the grocery, the post office, and get a haircut.
While this may seem clear enough at first glance, the sentence becomes inconsistent in the final clause. In the first two items of the list, the author is naming specific places. In the third, the author shifts into describing a particular action.
This sentence can be improved in two ways:
Solution 1–Make all items consistent places:
Before I went home, I needed to go to the grocery store, the post office, and the barber shop.
Solution 2—Make all items consistent actions:
Before I went home, I needed to pick up some groceries, mail some packages, and get a haircut.
Example 2:
In the following essay, I will show how global warming has already impacted our
weather patterns, how it will continue to impact us in the future, and anybody who
doesn’t believe it is happening is not facing the truth.
This example starts out with two clear and achievable objectives that are framed by “how” statements. The third item in the list not only abandons this predictable rhythmic pattern, but completely shifts tone and purpose. Stay tonally consistent.
Solution:
In the following essay, I will show how global warming has already impacted
our weather patterns, how it will continue to impact us in the future, and how it
is crucial to understand the reality and significance of this issue.
Copyright © by Lucas Pingel, usage permitted at St. Catherine University