Parallelism

Parallelism is a rhetorical device and a grammatical construction where two or more parts of a sentence (clauses, phrases, or words) are similarly structured. This creates a pattern, often improving the rhythm, flow, and memorability of the text. It emphasizes connections between ideas and can build emphasis or create balance. Effective parallelism requires a consistent grammatical form in corresponding parts of the sentence, enhancing clarity and impact. Careful placement is crucial for optimal effect.

Parallelism meaning with examples

• The candidate promised to *reduce taxes, improve education, and strengthen national security*. This balanced structure highlighted her key policy goals. Using similar grammatical constructions reinforced the interconnectedness of each promise, creating a memorable and impactful statement. Without parallelism, the sentence might have lost some power.
• During the storm, the wind was *howling, the rain was lashing*, and the thunder was *crashing*. Each clause describes the storm's intensity through active verbs with a similar structure. This added rhythm to the descriptions, heightening the reader’s experience and demonstrating the consistent force of nature.
• *Easy come, easy go* is a common idiom that utilizes parallelism in two clauses of similar structures. The repetition of the sound also makes this phrase more memorable. Its brevity and balance provide a pithy statement that suggests a philosophical idea about transience.
• The poet wrote, *'She came, she saw, she conquered,'* using the same structure for each action: a verb with the subject understood, a verb and its object. This concise parallel structure emphasizes the rapid and decisive nature of the subject’s accomplishments, making the impact greater.