Grammatical parallelism, parallel structure, parallel construction, parallel form (5)

Grammatical parallelism is also called parallel structure, parallel construction, and parallel form. It is the use of equivalent syntax to array equivalent ideas. Parallelism makes writing easier to read; faulty parallelism makes writing harder to read.

An example of faulty parallelism

“In other words, the more English a given region, the less political and ideological flexibility one finds in that area among white voters.” (Source)

A suggested  rewrite

In other words, the more English a given region, the more inflexible (politically and ideologically) the white voters.

An example of faulty parallelism

“Get organized in ways that help you better use everything you still have. Organize your refrigerator like a supermarket. Organize your kitchen like a programmer. Organize your clothing by color, like in a clothing store, so it's easy to find what you're looking for.” (Source)

A suggested rewrite

Get organized in ways that help you better use everything you still have: Organize your refrigerator by category, your kitchen by function, and your clothing by color.

The Takeaway: Check your parallel constructions to make sure they really are parallel. This is one of the quickest fixes you can make during a copy-edit. Parallelism will make your copy easier to read. Your readers will notice and appreciate it.

See disclaimer.