The Power of Parallelism: How to Use this Writing Technique for Clarity and Flow

Parallelism

similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases, or clauses

Parallelism is a writing technique that involves the use of repeated grammatical structures or patterns to create a sense of balance or harmony in a sentence or paragraph. It is a rhetorical device commonly used in literature, poetry, and public speaking.

The purpose of parallelism is to create a rhythm and flow that makes the text easier to read and understand. The repetition of similar sentence structures or grammatical patterns makes it easier for the reader to anticipate the next phrase or idea, which creates a sense of continuity and unity.

Parallelism can be used with various elements of a sentence or paragraph, including verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, phrases, and clauses. Examples of parallelism include:

– “I came, I saw, I conquered” (all verbs are in the same tense and have the same grammatical structure)
– “She likes to swim, to hike, and to bike” (all infinitive phrases have the same structure)
– “He was brave, strong, and determined” (all adjectives have a similar structure)

In addition to creating rhythm and flow, parallelism can also be used to convey emphasis or create a sense of symmetry in the text. It is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of a piece of writing.

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