Grammar: 💡 Effective Word Choice & Style - Intermediate/Advanced (B2) - Lesson 6: Parallel Structure in sentences and lists for clarity and impact

Grammar: Sentence Structure

B1 Lesson 6: Parallel Structure

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify and correct faulty parallelism to create clear, balanced, and impactful sentences.

Why It Matters: Balance and Rhythm

Parallel Structure means that when you list items or ideas in a sentence, you should use the same grammatical pattern for each item. This creates a pleasing rhythm and makes your writing easier to understand.

❌ Incorrect (Not Parallel)

"I enjoy visiting the temples, to walk along the river, and ride the Bamboo Train."

✅ Correct (Parallel)

"I enjoy visiting the temples, walking along the river, and riding the Bamboo Train."

The Rules of Parallel Structure 📖

The principle of keeping patterns the same applies in several situations.

Rule 1: In Lists

All items in a list should have the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all gerunds, or all infinitives).

Correct: "He is kind, generous, and intelligent." (all adjectives)

Correct: "I like to visit the temples, to walk along the river, and to ride the train." (all infinitives)

Rule 2: With Correlative Conjunctions

The grammatical form following each part of a paired conjunction (like not only... but also, or either... or) must be the same.

He not only speaks Khmer fluently but also writes it perfectly. (verb + verb)

You can either take the bus or hire a private taxi. (verb + verb)

She is both a talented artist and an excellent businesswoman. (noun + noun)

💡 Pro Tip: Proofread Aloud

A great way to check for parallel structure is to read your sentences aloud. Your ear will often catch a break in the rhythm that your eyes might miss. If a list or comparison sounds "clunky" or unbalanced, check your grammar patterns!

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise 1: Find the Error

Choose the correct option or fix the sentence to create parallel structure.

1. Which sentence is correct?
   • He is kind, generous, and has a lot of intelligence.
   • He is kind, generous, and intelligent.
   → Answer: b (It lists three parallel adjectives).
2. Correct the error: "The new manager is responsible for hiring new staff and to train them."
   → Answer: ...for hiring new staff and training them.
3. Complete the sentence: "The company's goals are to increase profits, reduce costs, and _______ its market share." (expanding / to expand)
   → Answer: to expand (to continue the infinitive pattern).

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Fix the Sentences

Rewrite these sentences in your notebook to create correct parallel structure.

1. The report was long, detailed, and had a lot of information.
2. The key to success is not just having a good idea, but also to work hard.

Show Example Answers

1. The report was long, detailed, and informative.
2. The key to success is not just having a good idea, but also working hard.

Key Vocabulary

• Parallel Structure (Noun) | រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធស្រប
  Using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.
• Rhythm (Noun) | ចង្វាក់
  In writing, a pleasing and balanced flow of words and sentences.
• Clarity (Noun) | ភាពច្បាស់លាស់
  The quality of being easy to understand.
• Correlative Conjunctions (Noun) | ឈ្នាប់តភ្ជាប់
  Pairs of conjunctions that work together (e.g., either/or, not only/but also).