PARALLELISM: Parallelism is the repeated use of words ...



PARALLELISM: Parallelism is the repeated use of words, phrases, or clauses with similar grammatical structures or meanings. Like all forms of repetition, it helps emphasize ideas and make them more memorable. In each example below, notice how the parallel use of words, phrases, or clauses sets up a balance and rhythm that makes the sentence more emphatic and memorable.

(Examples from “The Declaration of Independence” and “The Crisis, No. 1”)

Parallel Words: He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records

Parallel Phrases: He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

Parallel clauses: The harder the conflict [is], the more glorious the triumph [is].

PRACTICE: Each of the following sentences contains at least one example of parallelism. Use a single underscore to identify the first example in a sentence, double underscores to identify a second example in the same sentence, and triple underscores to identify a third example, if any.

1. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

2. It is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness.

3. As free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do.

Correct the faulty parallelism in the following sentences:

1. The delegates pledge their lives, the fortunes they have made, and their honor, a sacred thing.

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2. Jefferson criticizes the king for taking away colonial charters, the abolishment of colonial laws, and altering the colonial agreement.

3. Jefferson had a wide knowledge of political philosophy; fine writing talent was something he also displayed.

Find five examples of parallelism in “Speech in the Virginia Convention.” Copy them here, and mark the parts of the sentence which are parallel.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

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