Parallel Structure for Kids: Make Lists and Pairs Match (Grade 7 and 8 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Read these two sentences. I like hiking, swimming and biking. I like hiking, swimming and to bike. The first one sounds smoother. That is parallel structure, and today you will master it.

Parallel structure means that items in a list or a pair use the same grammar form. Match nouns with nouns, ing verbs with ing verbs, and phrases with phrases. Like train tracks, they run side by side.

Let's fix a list. She enjoys reading, painting and to dance. Two items end in ing, but one is an infinitive. Change it to match. She enjoys reading, painting and dancing.

Pairs joined by words like either or, neither nor, and not only but also must match too. Not only is she smart, but she is also kind. Each side has the same clause pattern.

Comparisons need parallel structure as well. Running in the morning is easier than to run at night does not match. Running in the morning is easier than running at night. Now both sides match.

Here is a tip. Write each item on its own line, one under the other. Then check the first word of each item. If the forms do not match, revise until they line up.

Now it's your turn. Fix this sentence. The coach told us to stretch, to drink water, and that we should rest. Pause and try. The coach told us to stretch, to drink water, and to rest.

Great job! Parallel structure means matching grammar forms in lists, pairs and comparisons. Line items up and check that they match. Practice parallel structure in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!