How do you use parallelism and coordination to create effective sentences in academic writing?

1 What is parallelism?

Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical forms and patterns for words, phrases, or clauses that have the same function or meaning in a sentence. This technique helps to create balance, rhythm, and emphasis in your writing, as well as making sentences more concise and consistent. For instance, the instructor explained the assignment, gave some examples, and then asked for questions is an example of parallelism. This sentence has three verb phrases that are all in the same form (explained, gave, asked) and have the same subject (the instructor). In contrast, the instructor explained the assignment, he gave some examples, and questions were asked does not use parallelism. This sentence has different forms (explained, he gave, were asked) and different subjects (the instructor, he, questions). The first sentence is more clear and smooth than the second one.

2 How to use parallelism?

To use parallelism effectively, you need to identify elements that share the same grammatical form and structure in your sentence. To check and revise your sentences for parallelism, ensure that verbs are in the same tense and voice, nouns are in the same form, prepositions or conjunctions are consistent for phrases or clauses, and punctuation and capitalization is uniform for items in a list or series. For instance, avoid mixing past and present tense, active and passive voice, singular and plural nouns, abstract and concrete nouns, to and of, and and but; as well as omitting commas or adding extra words.

3 What is coordination?

Coordination is the use of conjunctions, such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet', to join two or more words, phrases, or clauses that have equal importance in a sentence. This technique helps to create contrast, connection, or transition in your writing, making it more complex and varied. For instance, compare the following two sentences: 'The students were tired. They finished their project.' and 'The students were tired, but they finished their project.' The first sentence has two independent clauses that are separated by a period, while the second sentence has two independent clauses joined by a comma and a conjunction (but). This second sentence shows a contrast between the students' condition and their action, which is not expressed in the first sentence.

4 How to use coordination?

Choosing the right conjunction to join your words, phrases, or clauses is essential for effective coordination. To check and revise your sentences for coordination, consider using and to show addition or similarity, but to show contrast or difference, or to show choice or alternative, nor to show negative choice or alternative, for to show reason or cause, so to show result or effect, and yet to show contrast or surprise. This will help ensure that your items are logically related and grammatically compatible.

5 Examples of parallelism and coordination

To demonstrate how parallelism and coordination can enhance sentence structure and variety, here are some examples: She likes reading novels, watching movies, and listening to music; however, she prefers watching movies. The research question was clear and relevant, yet it was not feasible. He can speak English and French fluently, but Spanish is more challenging.