Parallel Structure

This is rather a style, not a common mistake. We should maintain the same pattern in a list or series so that it creates a vocal harmony as we read through the whole sentence.

Things to Watch Out

  1. Active vs. passive
  2. Infinitive vs. other verb form
  3. List of individual terms vs. longer phrases.

CASE #1 - Infinitive vs. Other Verb Form

I love fishing, skiing and to climb rocks.
  • fishing, skiing exhibits progressive pronouns; but to climb rocks exhibits infinite pattern.
  • A better version would be: I love fishing, skiing, and rock-climbing.

CASE #2 - Active vs. Passive

The cake was baked, frost, and sprinkled.
  • baked and sprinkled are passive (was baked, was sprinkled); but frost is active.
  • A better version would be: The cake was baked, frosted, and sprinkled.

Case #3 - Listing Individual Terms vs. Longer Phrases

Sharks are large, damp, and dangerous.
  • Nothing wrong with the above. If you want to emphasize one out of all the list. You can apply longer phrases to describe the last one.
  • Another version would be: Sharks are large, damp, and not to be trifled with.