Parallel Sentences

What does it mean to be inconsistent?

Parallel construction is the use of a series of words, phrases, or sentences that have similar grammatical form.

Keeping everything consistent: Parallel Construction

Please Note:When using parallel structure, the

items in the list must be all nouns, all infinitives, all prepositional phrases,

all gerunds, or all clauses.

Also, you must use the same tense!

Fran spends her free time reading, listening to music, and she works in her garden.

Fran spends her free time reading, listening to music, and she works in her garden.

Fran spends her free time reading, listening to music, and working in her garden.

After the camping trip, I was exhausted, irritable, and wanted to eat.

After the camping trip, I was exhausted, irritable, and wanted to eat.

After the camping trip, I was exhausted, irritable, and hungry.

Nightly, Fred puts out the trash, checks the locks on the doors, and the burglar alarm is turned on.

Nightly, Fred puts out the trash, checks the locks on the doors, and the burglar alarm is turned on.

Nightly, Fred puts out the trash, checks the locks on the doors, and turns on the burglar alarm.

In the afternoon, I changed two light bulbs, washed several shirts, and was watching soap operas.

In the afternoon, I changed two light bulbs, washed several shirts, and was watching soap operas.

In the afternoon, I changed two light bulbs, washed several shirts, and watched soap operas.

With her pale skin and her eyes that were green, she appeared ghostly in the moonlight.

With her pale skin and her eyes that were green, she appeared ghostly in the moonlight.

With her pale skin and her green eyes, she appeared ghostly in the moonlight.

“I came; I saw; I conquered.” (Julius Caesar)

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.” (Winston Churchill)

“To be or not to be, that is the question.” (Hamlet)

Why do the following quotes stick in our minds?

Work by yourself on #1-13

After your independent work, check odd #s with person next to you when you are both done.

As a class, we will go over the even #s

Practice!

Write 3 different thesis statements (use parallel structure for each!).◦ Choose from one of the following topics:

A) banning boxing B) using the internet (social media,

entertainment, and gaming) C) lowering the voting age D) traveling on a cruise F) eating meat E) teaching etiquette in schools

Creating Thesis Statement with Parallel Structure