9b Balance parallel ideas presented as pairs.

When pairing ideas, underscore their connection by expressing them in similar grammatical form. Paired ideas are usually connected with coordinating conjunctions, with correlative conjunctions, or with than or as.

Parallel ideas linked with coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet) link ideas of equal importance. When those ideas are closely parallel in content, they should be expressed in parallel grammatical form.

The example reads, Many states are reducing property taxes for home owners and (strikethrough) extend (end strikethrough) (insert) extending (end insert) tax credits to renters.

The text below reads, The revision balances the verb reducing with the verb extending.

Parallel ideas linked with correlative conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions come in pairs: either . . . or, neither . . . nor, not only . . . but also, both . . . and, whether . . . or. Make sure that the grammatical structure following the second half of the pair is the same as that following the first half.

The example reads, Thomas Edison was not only a prolific inventor but also (strikethrough) was (end strikethrough) a successful entrepreneur.

The text below reads, The words a prolific inventor follow not only, so a successful entrepreneur should follow but also. Repeating was creates an unbalanced effect.

The example reads, The clerk told me either to change my flight or (insert) to (end insert) take the train.

The text below reads, To change my flight, which follows either, should be balanced with to take the train, which follows or.

Comparisons linked with than or as

In comparisons linked with than or as, the elements being compared should be expressed in parallel grammatical structure.

The example reads, It is easier to speak in abstractions than (strikethrough) grounding (end strikethrough) (insert) to ground (end insert) one’s thoughts in reality.

The text below reads, To speak is balanced with to ground.

Exercise 9–1

Edit the following sentences to correct faulty parallelism. Possible revisions appear in the back of the book.

The example reads, Rowena began her workday by pouring a cup of coffee and (strikethrough) checked (end strikethrough) (insert) checking (end insert) her email.

1. Police dogs are used for finding lost children, tracking criminals, and the detection of bombs and illegal drugs.

2. Hannah told her rock-climbing partner that she bought a new harness and of her desire to climb Otter Cliffs.

3. It is more difficult to sustain an exercise program than starting one.

4. During basic training, I was not only told what to do but also what to think.

5. Jan wanted to drive either to wine country or Sausalito.