Parallel Structure: Correcting Sentence Examples

Have you ever found yourself tangled in a sentence that just doesn't flow right? Chances are, it might be a case of non-parallel structure. Let's break down what that means and how to fix it, using the sentence: "Escaping the pull of gravity and to travel at high speeds both affect the rate at which time passes" as our starting point. Trust me, understanding parallel structure is a game-changer for clear and effective communication!

Understanding Parallel Structure

Parallel structure, at its heart, is about balance and consistency. Think of it as creating a sense of rhythm in your writing. When you have a list or a series of related ideas, you want to express them in the same grammatical form. This not only makes your writing sound more polished but also makes it easier for your reader to follow your train of thought. For example, if you start with a verb in its -ing form (a gerund), you should continue with verbs in the -ing form. Similarly, if you use an infinitive (to + verb), stick with infinitives for the rest of the series. Imagine a tightrope walker: they need to maintain their balance to avoid falling. Parallel structure is like that balancing act for your sentences. It ensures that all the elements are aligned and working together harmoniously.

To identify parallel structure, look for coordinating conjunctions like "and," "but," and "or." These words often connect elements that should be parallel. Ask yourself: are the items on either side of the conjunction in the same grammatical form? If not, that's a red flag. Another clue is the presence of lists. When you're listing items, each item should follow the same pattern. This could be a list of nouns, verbs, adjectives, or even entire phrases. The key is uniformity. By paying attention to these details, you can spot and correct instances of non-parallel structure, making your writing clearer, more concise, and more persuasive. Embracing parallel structure is about respecting your readers' time and intelligence by presenting your ideas in the most accessible and coherent way possible.

Why Parallel Structure Matters

Parallel structure isn't just some grammar rule designed to make your life difficult. It's a fundamental principle of clear and effective communication. When you use parallel structure correctly, you create sentences that are easy to understand and a pleasure to read. Your writing flows smoothly, and your ideas connect seamlessly. This is crucial for engaging your audience and keeping their attention. Think about it: when a sentence is awkwardly phrased or grammatically unbalanced, it can disrupt the reader's focus and make it harder for them to grasp your message. Parallel structure eliminates this friction, allowing your readers to focus on the content of your writing rather than the mechanics.

Moreover, parallel structure adds emphasis and impact to your writing. By presenting related ideas in the same grammatical form, you highlight their connection and importance. This can be particularly effective in persuasive writing, where you want to drive home a point or make a strong argument. Imagine a lawyer presenting evidence in court: they would carefully structure their arguments to create a compelling case. Similarly, in any form of writing, parallel structure can enhance the persuasiveness of your message. It also adds a sense of elegance and sophistication to your writing. Well-structured sentences sound more polished and professional, which can enhance your credibility and make a positive impression on your readers. In short, mastering parallel structure is an investment in your communication skills that will pay dividends in all areas of your life.

Analyzing the Original Sentence

The original sentence, "Escaping the pull of gravity and to travel at high speeds both affect the rate at which time passes," presents a classic case of non-parallel structure. The problem lies in the mismatch between the two elements connected by the conjunction "and." On one side, we have "escaping the pull of gravity," which is a gerund phrase (a phrase beginning with a verb ending in -ing). On the other side, we have "to travel at high speeds," which is an infinitive phrase (a phrase beginning with "to" followed by a verb). These two forms are not parallel, creating a sense of imbalance and awkwardness in the sentence.

To understand why this is a problem, consider the function of these phrases in the sentence. They are both acting as subjects, performing the action of affecting the rate at which time passes. Since they are both serving the same grammatical role, they should be expressed in the same grammatical form. Imagine trying to balance a scale with unequal weights: it just won't work. Similarly, in a sentence, mismatched grammatical elements can throw off the balance and clarity. The non-parallel structure in the original sentence creates a stumbling block for the reader, forcing them to pause and process the awkward phrasing. By recognizing this imbalance, we can begin to explore ways to revise the sentence and create a more harmonious and effective structure.

Spotting the Imbalance

To spot the imbalance, focus on the grammatical structure of each phrase. "Escaping the pull of gravity" uses a gerund, which functions as a noun. Think of it as the act of escaping. In contrast, "to travel at high speeds" uses an infinitive, which can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In this case, it's acting as a noun, but its form is different from the gerund. The key is to make them consistent. Both should be gerunds, or both should be infinitives.

Correcting the Sentence with Parallel Structure

To correct the sentence and create parallel structure, we need to ensure that both elements connected by "and" are in the same grammatical form. We have two main options: we can either convert both phrases into gerund phrases or both into infinitive phrases. Let's explore each option and see which one results in the most effective and natural-sounding sentence.

Option 1: Using Gerunds

One way to revise the sentence is to use gerunds for both elements. A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. To make the sentence parallel using gerunds, we would change "to travel at high speeds" to "traveling at high speeds." The revised sentence would then read: "Escaping the pull of gravity and traveling at high speeds both affect the rate at which time passes." This version is grammatically correct and maintains parallel structure. Both "escaping the pull of gravity" and "traveling at high speeds" are gerund phrases acting as the subjects of the sentence.

Option 2: Using Infinitives

Alternatively, we can revise the sentence to use infinitives for both elements. An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to." To make the sentence parallel using infinitives, we would change "escaping the pull of gravity" to "to escape the pull of gravity." The revised sentence would then read: "To escape the pull of gravity and to travel at high speeds both affect the rate at which time passes." This version is also grammatically correct and maintains parallel structure. Both "to escape the pull of gravity" and "to travel at high speeds" are infinitive phrases acting as the subjects of the sentence.

Choosing the Best Revision

While both revisions are grammatically correct, one might sound more natural or flow better than the other, depending on the context and your personal preference. In this case, using gerunds (Option 1) generally results in a more concise and fluid sentence. The sentence "Escaping the pull of gravity and traveling at high speeds both affect the rate at which time passes" reads smoothly and avoids the slight redundancy of using "to" twice in close succession. However, the choice between the two revisions ultimately depends on the specific context and the desired effect. Consider the overall tone and style of your writing when making your decision.

Parallel structure is your friend. By understanding and applying the principles of parallel structure, you can significantly improve the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. So, next time you find yourself wrestling with a sentence, remember the power of balance and consistency. Your readers (and your writing) will thank you for it!