This week we wrap up on construction of sentences.  Our first part talks about Parallel Construction in sentences.

Parallel words, phrases, and clauses improve the flow of ideas and heighten its impact.  Similarity of form helps readers recognize similarity of content or function.

• Use consistent voice throughout sentence
  • Ensure consistent voice (active or passive) and an introduction to each clause in a series
  • Bad: Joey was worried that the exam would be too hard, Joey would not be prepared and his pen would be forgotten in his locker.
  • Good: Joey was worried that he would forget his pen, he would not be prepared, and that the exam would be too hard.
• Be Aware of Verb Tense Agreement
  • Don't mix verb tenses
  • Bad: Alexa washed, dried and was curling her hair.
  • Good: Alexa washed, dried, and curled her hair.
• Simplify items that are in pairs or series
  • Present actions, attributes,  or items in a series in a simple and coherent way
  • Bad: Billy is very mean and is very violent
  • Good: Billy is very mean and violent.
• Don't leave out words that would change your intended meaning
  • Be sure to include all the words you need in the sentence
  • Bad:  To learn more, I talked to the boy and police officer.
  • Good: To learn more, I talked to the boy and his arresting police officer.
• Keep things in emphasis or timing.
  • Place actions in chronological order or items with differing degrees of importance in increasing order.
  • Bad: Use power tools properly or risk death or injury
  • Good: Use power tools properly or risk injury or death.

• References:
  • Kern, Jara. (2020). The Infographic Guide to Grammar. Adams Media
  • Venolia, Jan. (2001). Write Right! (4th ed.). Ten Speed Press