Home » Examples » 10 Clear Examples of Faulty Parallel in Writing and Speech
Have you ever stumbled over a sentence that just didn’t sound right? Often, the culprit is faulty parallelism, a common grammatical error that can confuse readers and dilute your message. Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.
Faulty parallelism occurs when elements in a sentence are not presented in the same grammatical structure. This inconsistency can confuse readers and dilute the intended message.
Definition of Faulty Parallel
Faulty parallelism refers to the failure to maintain a consistent pattern within a series of related words or phrases. When you mix different forms, such as verbs and nouns, it disrupts clarity. For example, if one part of your sentence lists actions while another describes objects, it leads to confusion. Recognizing this error is crucial for effective writing.
Examples of Faulty Parallel
Here are some examples that illustrate faulty parallelism:
I enjoy swimming, biking, and to run.
She wants to learn French, improve her writing skills, and dance salsa.
The committee discussed budgeting options, hiring new staff members, and how to increase efficiency.
In these cases, notice how each list mixes different structures. To fix them:
Change “to run” to “running.”
Ensure all items match: “learn French,” “improve writing,” “dance salsa.”
Align with a consistent verb form: “discussed budgeting,” “hiring staff,” “increasing efficiency.”
By correcting these errors, your sentences become clearer and more impactful.
Types of Faulty Parallel
Faulty parallelism appears in various forms, affecting both writing and speech. Understanding these types helps you avoid common errors that can confuse your audience.
Faulty Parallel in Writing
In writing, faulty parallelism often occurs in lists or comparisons. For example, consider the sentence: “She enjoys reading, to jog, and biking.” The verbs are not presented consistently. A corrected version would read: “She enjoys reading, jogging, and biking.” This maintains a uniform structure.
Another instance is found in contrasting ideas: “The committee approved the budget but did not discuss the proposal thoroughly.” Here, discussing should match approving. Thus it should state: “The committee approved the budget but did not thoroughly discuss the proposal.”
Faulty Parallel in Speech
Faulty parallelism also manifests in spoken language. When giving a presentation or sharing stories, inconsistencies can arise. For example, saying “I love hiking, swimming is enjoyable, and I bike” creates confusion due to mixed structures. Instead say: “I love hiking, swimming, and biking.”
Moreover, when listing qualities during a speech like “He is smart, hardworking with great leadership,” it lacks parallel structure. It’s clearer to use: “He is smart, hardworking, and a great leader.” Maintaining this consistency ensures clarity for listeners.
Common Causes of Faulty Parallel
Faulty parallelism often arises from specific causes that disrupt the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. Understanding these causes helps in avoiding common pitfalls.
Lack of Awareness
Many writers simply lack awareness of parallel structure rules. When crafting sentences, it’s easy to overlook the need for consistency in lists or comparisons. For example, consider this sentence: “I like swimming, running, and to bike.” This mix creates confusion due to inconsistent forms. Instead, use: “I like swimming, running, and biking.” Staying mindful of grammatical structures can significantly enhance clarity.
Grammatical Complexity
Grammatical complexity contributes to faulty parallelism as well. Complex sentences often involve multiple clauses or phrases that require careful alignment. For instance: “The committee decided to approve the budget and increasing staff salaries.” Here, mixing verb forms creates a jarring effect. A clearer version would be: “The committee decided to approve the budget and increase staff salaries.” Simplifying complex structures ensures greater coherence in your writing.
How to Avoid Faulty Parallel
Understanding how to maintain parallel structure enhances clarity in your writing. You can avoid faulty parallelism by following these strategies.
Tips for Writers
Identify lists and comparisons: Look for sentences with multiple elements that need consistency. For example, instead of saying “She likes reading, jogging, and to swim,” use “She likes reading, jogging, and swimming.” This keeps the verb forms aligned.
Use matching grammatical structures: Ensure similar phrases share the same form. Instead of “The team decided to play hard and winning,” say “The team decided to play hard and win.” This maintains uniformity in verb usage.
Read your sentences aloud: Hearing your writing can help you catch errors. If it sounds awkward or inconsistent, revise it until it flows smoothly.
Tools for Correction
Utilize various tools to identify faulty parallel structures:
Grammar checkers: Online grammar tools like Grammarly highlight inconsistencies in sentence structure.
Editing software: Programs such as ProWritingAid offer insights into style issues, including parallelism.
Peer reviews: Sharing your work with others allows fresh eyes to spot mistakes you might overlook.
By implementing these strategies and utilizing available tools, you’ll enhance the clarity of your writing while avoiding common pitfalls associated with faulty parallelism.
