The Power of Parallelism in Writing: Examples and Techniques
Parallelism, also known as parallel structure or parallel construction, is an essential technique in writing that involves using similar grammatical constructions, such as words, phrases, or clauses, to create a sense of balance and rhythm. In this article, we will explore the power of parallelism in writing, showcase various examples of parallel structure, and provide tips on how to use it effectively.
Examples of Parallelism in Writing
1. "To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone." - Reba McEntire
This quote from country music singer Reba McEntire is an excellent example of parallelism. The three items listed - wishbone, backbone, and funny bone - are all nouns and are listed in the same order, creating a sense of balance and rhythm. Furthermore, each item plays a significant role in achieving success in life, making the sentence more memorable and impactful.
2. "She was like a rainbow, dazzling, colorful, and magical."
In this example, the parallel structure is created using adjectives. Each adjective - dazzling, colorful, and magical - paints a vivid picture of the person being described. Additionally, the repetition of the word "like" in the sentence emphasizes the comparison, making it more effective.
3. "We will fight for freedom, for justice, for equality."
This example uses parallelism to emphasize a list of goals. Each goal - freedom, justice, and equality - is listed in the same order and using the same grammatical structure. By doing so, the sentence conveys a sense of unity and determination, making the message more powerful.
How to Use Parallelism in Writing
1. Use parallel structure for lists.
When listing items in your writing, try to use parallel structure to create a sense of balance and make the list more memorable. For example, instead of writing "I like fishing, hiking, and to ride my bike," you can use parallel structure to list your hobbies in a more compelling way, such as "I like fishing, hiking, and biking."
2. Use parallelism for emphasis.
Parallel structure can be used to make your writing more impactful by emphasizing the most important points. For example, instead of writing "We need to work hard, fight for our rights, and be united," you could use parallelism to place extra emphasis on the most important point, such as "We need to work hard, unite, and fight for our rights."
3. Use parallelism to create rhetorical questions.
Rhetorical questions are questions that do not require an answer. Parallel structure can be used in rhetorical questions to create a more impactful and memorable effect. For example, instead of writing "Why is education important?" you could use parallelism to ask "Why do we need education, knowledge, and learning?"
Conclusion
Parallelism, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool in writing. By creating a sense of balance, rhythm, and emphasis, parallel structure can make your writing more memorable and impactful. Whether you are writing a sentence, a paragraph, or a speech, try to incorporate parallelism to enhance your writing and make it more engaging for your audience.