What do lists, “both…and” statements, and “either…or” phrases have in common?
1. When they’re written correctly, they’re all parallel constructions.
2. They’re often written incorrectly.
Parallel construction is key in clear, elegant, enjoyable prose. But our thoughts—and, by extension, our words—rarely spring into existence as well-balanced sentences with perfectly parallel structures.
So let’s talk about how you can identify and improve parallel construction in your writing. It helps if you’re comfortable with grammar lingo, but don’t worry; I include tips you can use even if you don’t have a mind for grammar-related vocabulary and rules.
Words Unbound 