Explain how parallel structure in writing can be followed with coordinating conjunctions and with correlative conjunctions. Illustrate each one with an example.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Students' answers will vary. Observing the rules of parallel structure will provide balance to your writing. Parallel structure expresses parallel ideas in parallel form.
a) Coordinating conjunctions connect like elements: an adjective with an adjective, a prepositional phrase with a prepositional phrase, and so on. Therefore, make sure that the elements before and after a coordinating conjunction match. For example, "Our security system is checked carefully and regularly." (An adverb, "carefully," appears before the coordinating conjunction "and"; therefore, the adverb "regularly" should follow "and.")
b) To achieve parallelism with correlative conjunctions, simply make sure that the element that follows the first conjunction is the same part of speech as the element that follows the second conjunction. For example, "Katie wants either Adam or me to select the carpet for the reception area." (The elements that follow "either . . . or" are the noun "Adam" and a pronoun "me." Nouns and pronouns are considered like elements because pronouns are substitutes for nouns. Thus the phrase "either Adam or me" is parallel.)

Explain How Parallel Structure in Writing Can Be Followed with Coordinating