How do you maintain parallel structure in a sentence?

To maintain parallel structure in a sentence, you need to ensure that the elements within a series or list are grammatically and structurally consistent. This means that all items in the series should have the same grammatical form, such as using the same verb tense, the same type of noun (e.g., all gerunds or all infinitives), or the same sentence structure.

Here are some guidelines to maintain parallel structure:

1. Use consistent verb forms: When listing actions or describing events, make sure that the verbs are in the same tense and form. For example, "She enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking" maintains parallel structure by using the gerund form (-ing) for all the verbs.

2. Maintain consistent sentence structure: If you start a series with a certain sentence structure, ensure that all subsequent items in the series follow the same structure. For instance, "She likes to read books, watch movies, and listen to music" maintains parallel structure by using the infinitive form ("to") for all the verbs.

3. Keep consistent grammatical patterns: If you are using phrases or clauses in a series, make sure they have the same grammatical structure. For example, "He is not only a great athlete but also a talented musician" maintains parallel structure by using the same structure ("adjective + noun") for both phrases.

4. Pay attention to conjunctions: When using coordinating conjunctions like "and," "or," or "but" to connect items in a series, ensure that the elements being connected are grammatically similar. For instance, "She can either go for a run, swim in the pool, or ride her bike" maintains parallel structure by using the same verb form ("go," "swim," "ride") after the coordinating conjunction "or."

By following these guidelines, you can maintain parallel structure in your sentences, which helps to improve clarity, readability, and overall coherence in your writing.