Which Edit Best Improves The Parallelism Of The Following Sentence

Which Edit Best Improves the Parallelism of the Following Sentence

Understanding parallelism is one of the most important skills you can develop as a writer or student of the English language. Here's the thing — parallel structure ensures that your sentences are balanced, rhythmic, and easy to read. When a sentence lacks parallelism, it feels awkward, confusing, and unpolished. Worth adding: in this article, we will explore what parallelism is, why it matters, how to identify errors in parallel structure, and—most importantly—which edits best improve the parallelism of a sentence. Whether you are preparing for a standardized test, polishing an academic essay, or simply want to write more clearly, mastering parallelism will elevate the quality of your writing immediately It's one of those things that adds up. No workaround needed..

What Is Parallelism in Grammar?

Parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is the practice of using the same grammatical pattern or form when listing items, comparing ideas, or joining clauses in a sentence. When elements in a sentence serve the same grammatical function, they should follow the same structural format.

To give you an idea, consider the following sentence:

She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bike.

This sentence breaks parallelism because the first two items (hiking and swimming) are gerunds (verbs ending in -ing), while the third item (to ride a bike) is an infinitive phrase. To fix this, the sentence should read:

She likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bike.

Now all three items share the same grammatical form—gerunds—creating a smooth, balanced sentence.

Why Does Parallelism Matter?

Parallelism is not just a technical grammar rule reserved for textbooks. It serves several important functions in writing and communication:

• Clarity: Parallel structure makes sentences easier to understand. When readers encounter a consistent pattern, their brains process the information more efficiently.
• Rhythm and Flow: Balanced sentences sound more natural and pleasing to the ear. Great speakers and writers—from Martin Luther King Jr. to Maya Angelou—have used parallelism to create memorable, powerful prose.
• Professionalism: In academic writing, business communication, and standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE, correct parallelism signals competence and attention to detail.
• Persuasiveness: Parallel structure is a cornerstone of rhetorical effectiveness. It creates emphasis and makes arguments more compelling.

Common Types of Parallelism Errors

Before we discuss which edits best improve parallelism, it helps to recognize the most common types of errors. These typically occur in the following situations:

1. Lists and Series

When listing three or more items, each item must follow the same grammatical form.

Faulty: The job requires attention to detail, creativity, and you must work well with others. Corrected: The job requires attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work well with others.

2. Correlative Conjunctions

Pairs such as either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also, and both/and require parallel elements on both sides.

Faulty: Not only did she win the award, but also she was recognized for her leadership. Corrected: She not only won the award but also was recognized for her leadership.

3. Comparisons

When comparing two things, the elements being compared must be in the same form.

Faulty: Running is as enjoyable as to swim. Corrected: Running is as enjoyable as swimming.

4. Compound Structures

When two or more elements are joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), they must share the same grammatical form.

Faulty: The professor told the students to review their notes and that they should study for the exam. Corrected: The professor told the students to review their notes and to study for the exam.

How to Identify Parallelism Errors

Identifying parallelism errors requires a systematic approach. Here is a step-by-step method you can use:

1. Locate the connecting words: Look for conjunctions (and, but, or), correlative conjunctions (either/or, not only/but also), or punctuation marks like commas in a list.
2. Identify the elements being connected: Determine what words, phrases, or clauses are being joined.
3. Check the grammatical form: Ask yourself whether each element follows the same pattern. Are they all nouns? All verbs in the same tense? All infinitive phrases? All prepositional phrases?
4. Read the sentence aloud: Often, your ear will catch awkward imbalances that your eye might miss.

Which Edit Best Improves Parallelism?

Now, let us address the core question: which edit best improves the parallelism of a sentence? The answer depends on the specific error, but the guiding principle is always the same: make the elements match in grammatical form. Here are the most effective types of edits:

Edit 1: Change the Form of the Mismatched Element

The simplest and most common fix is to change the grammatical form of the element that does not match the others Simple as that..

Example:

The teacher encouraged the students to ask questions, to participate in discussions, and that they submit their assignments on time.

The first two elements (to ask questions and to participate in discussions) are infinitive phrases, but the third element (that they submit their assignments on time) is a noun clause. The best edit is to convert the third element into an infinitive phrase:

The teacher encouraged the students to ask questions, to participate in discussions, and to submit their assignments on time.

Edit 2: Restructure the Entire List

Sometimes, simply changing one element is not enough. You may need to restructure the entire sentence for true parallelism Surprisingly effective..

Example:

The manager's responsibilities include hiring new staff, the training of employees, and she oversees the budget.

Here, we have a noun phrase (hiring new staff), another noun phrase (the training of employees), and an independent clause (she oversees the budget). The best edit is to make all three items gerund phrases:

The manager's responsibilities include hiring new staff, training employees, and overseeing the budget.

Edit 3: Adjust Both Sides of a Correlative Conjunction

With correlative conjunctions, both halves of the pair must be balanced. Sometimes the edit requires adjusting both sides, not just one.

Example:

Either the team will win the championship, or the season is a failure.

The first clause (the team will win the championship) is in the future tense, while the second (the season is a failure) is in the present tense. The best edit:

Either the team will win the championship, or the season will be a failure.

Edit 4: Use Consistent Voice (Active or Passive)

Parallelism also applies to voice. Mixing active and passive voice in a list creates imbalance.

Example:

The committee approved the budget, the report was reviewed by the board, and new policies were being implemented.

This sentence mixes

Edit 5: Align Tense and Aspect Across Coordinated Verbs

Even when the forms look similar, a mismatch in tense or aspect can break the parallel flow Easy to understand, harder to ignore. Which is the point..

Example

She has finished the report, will present the findings tomorrow, and is drafting the next proposal.

The first verb phrase is present perfect, the second is simple future, and the third is present progressive. To restore harmony, choose a single tense (or aspect) for the entire series. A clean revision is to put everything in the simple future:

Real talk — this step gets skipped all the time That alone is useful..

She will finish the report, will present the findings tomorrow, and will draft the next proposal.

Alternatively, you could shift everything to the present progressive if the actions are ongoing:

She is finishing the report, presenting the findings tomorrow, and drafting the next proposal.

The key is consistency—once you decide on a tense or aspect, apply it uniformly.

How to Decide Which Edit to Use

When you encounter a parallelism problem, follow this quick decision‑tree:

1. Identify the coordinating structure (list, correlative conjunction, compound predicate, etc.).
2. Pinpoint the element that breaks the pattern (different part of speech, tense, voice, or construction).
3. Ask yourself:
   • Can I simply change the offending element to match the others? → Edit 1.
   • Does the whole list feel uneven because the surrounding items are themselves inconsistent? → Edit 2.
   • Is a correlative conjunction involved, and is only one side mismatched? → Edit 3 (adjust both sides if needed).
   • Is the voice mixed (active vs. passive) or the tense/aspect misaligned? → Edit 4 or Edit 5.
4. Apply the minimal change that yields perfect symmetry. Over‑editing can make a sentence feel forced; the goal is natural, readable balance.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

A Mini‑Checklist for Final Proofreading

Before you hit “send” or “publish,” run through these five questions:

1. Form Match – Do all coordinated items share the same grammatical form?
2. Voice Consistency – Are they all active or all passive?
3. Tense/Aspect Uniformity – Is the time reference identical across the series?
4. Prepositional Balance – Are the same prepositions used where required?
5. Correlative Harmony – Do pairs like “either…or,” “neither…nor,” “not only…but also” line up correctly?

If the answer is “yes” to every question, your sentence is parallel.

Concluding Thoughts

Parallelism isn’t a decorative flourish; it’s a fundamental engine of clarity. By presenting ideas in matching structures, you give readers a predictable rhythm that lets the content shine rather than the construction. The edits outlined above—changing a single mismatched element, restructuring an entire list, balancing correlative conjunctions, aligning voice, and unifying tense—are the most reliable tools in the writer’s toolbox.

Remember, the goal isn’t to force every sentence into a rigid template but to see to it that the elements you coordinate speak the same grammatical language. When you achieve that, your prose becomes smoother, more persuasive, and far easier to understand.

So the next time you spot a list that feels “off,” ask yourself which of the five edits applies, make the minimal yet precise adjustment, and let the sentence flow with the elegant symmetry that good writing deserves.