Parallel structure

A sentence is considered parallel when its various units are in relative balance. That means that each section of the sentence must agree with and complete the subject-verb construction as if each section were a sentence unto itself. Lacking parallelism, the sentence falters and loses focus.

Lacks parallel structure:

            She enjoys books, videos and surfing the net.

                                                (There are two nouns and a gerund.)

Achieves parallel structure:

           

            She enjoys reading books, watching videos and surfing the net.

                                                (Now all three are gerunds.)

Lacks parallel structure:

            Participants will learn about preparing their gardens for winter, hear about garlic and how to plant it, how to do composting and gardening throughout all four seasons.

                                    (All three units of the sentence needed to begin with a verb.)

Achieves parallel structure:

           

            Participants will learn about preparing their gardens for winter, planting garlic, composting  and gardening throughout all four seasons.

                         (The rewrite balances the structure)