Parallel syntax is a grammatical device where sentences or parts of a sentence are arranged similarly. It improves the flow and clarity of a text, and can emphasize a specific point. Inflected languages like Latin don’t use it. Common connecting words like “but also” signal its presence. It makes documents neat and concise.
Parallel syntax is a grammatical device in which several sentences or parts of a sentence are arranged similarly to each other. This technique can be applied to sentences placed close together in the same section of a text or used on sentences in a document. In language, the concept of syntax refers to how sentences are structured. Parallel syntax, also known as parallel sentence structure, refers to sentences that are structured similar to each other. This grammatical device not only helps connect different ideas and improve the flow of a text, but also allows the author to emphasize a specific point or draw attention to the order of words in a sentence.
In inflected languages, such as Latin, sentence structure and syntax do not affect the meaning or understanding of a text. That’s why readers won’t find examples of parallel syntax in Latin or other inflected languages. In many other languages, including English, syntax can have a significant impact on the meaning of a sentence. By arranging words or phrases in different orders, writers can completely change the meaning of the text.
For an example of parallel syntax, consider a simple list of housework, such as “Make beds, wash dishes, trash cans, clean oven.” In this example, the term “trash cans” doesn’t fit into the sentence structure established by the other sentences because it doesn’t include a verb. To turn the entire list into an example of parallel syntax, one would add a verb to “garbage cans”, changing it to “empty garbage cans”. Once this verb is added, all sentences reflect parallel syntax because they all consist of a verb followed by a noun.
To locate examples of parallel syntax, readers can often look for common connecting words or phrases used to join parallel sentences and phrases. For example, the term “Can you or…. or…” is often used with a parallel structure. Terms such as “but also”, “neither nor” or “both and” also signal the presence of this structure.
Writers rely on this grammatical tool to improve the quality and clarity of their works. With sentences arranged in this way, the text becomes easier for the reader to understand. This type of sentence structure also improves overall flow for both written and spoken word, although it is most effective with written documents. Parallel syntax also makes documents neat and concise, and helps eliminate unnecessary words or phrases that can distract readers from the point of a text.
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