When it comes to constructing clear and effective sentences, using parallelism is a critical element. Parallelism helps to maintain a balanced and consistent structure throughout your writing, making it easier for readers to follow and understand your ideas. One important aspect of using parallelism is ensuring that the clauses in a sentence are parallel. In this article, we will explore the concept of parallelism and discuss which clause completes the sentence by creating parallelism.
Understanding Parallelism
Parallelism in grammar refers to the use of similar structure in a series of words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence. When elements in a sentence follow the same pattern, it creates a sense of balance and symmetry, making the sentence easier to read and understand. Parallel structure is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence in writing.
There are various ways to achieve parallelism in writing, such as in lists, comparisons, and correlative conjunctions. In this article, we will focus on how parallelism operates within clauses in a sentence.
Creating Parallel Clauses
When constructing sentences with multiple clauses, it is essential to ensure that these clauses are parallel in structure. This means that each clause should follow the same grammatical pattern, maintaining consistency and balance throughout the sentence.
Parallel clauses can be achieved by following certain grammatical principles:
- Using the same verb tense in each clause
- Using the same grammatical form (e.g., gerunds, infinitives, participles)
- Using the same voice (active or passive) in each clause
- Using the same type of phrase or clause (e.g., noun clause, adverb clause)
By applying these principles, writers can ensure that their clauses are parallel, creating a harmonious and balanced sentence structure.
Identifying the Clause That Completes Parallelism
There are instances where a sentence contains multiple clauses, and one of these clauses serves to complete the parallel structure. This completing clause is crucial for ensuring that all the clauses in the sentence are parallel and balanced.
So, which clause completes the sentence by creating parallelism? The answer lies in the overall grammatical structure of the sentence and the role each clause plays in maintaining parallelism.
Example of Completing Clause in Parallel Structure
Let’s consider the following example:
“She enjoys hiking, biking, and to swim at the beach.”
In this example, the last clause “to swim at the beach” disrupts the parallelism of the sentence. To complete the parallel structure, we can revise the sentence to:
“She enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming at the beach.”
In this revised version, all three clauses – “hiking”, “biking”, and “swimming at the beach” – are now parallel, as they all follow the same grammatical pattern and maintain consistency in structure.
Importance of Completing Clause in Parallelism
Completing clauses play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of parallel structure within a sentence. When a completing clause is used effectively, it ensures that all the clauses in the sentence work together harmoniously, contributing to the overall coherence and clarity of the writing.
Without a completing clause, the parallelism of the sentence may be compromised, leading to confusion and ambiguity for the reader. Therefore, identifying the clause that completes the parallel structure is essential for creating polished and effective writing.
Choosing the Right Completing Clause
When determining which clause completes the parallelism in a sentence, writers should consider the following factors:
- Grammatical consistency: The completing clause should adhere to the same grammatical pattern as the preceding clauses, maintaining parallel structure.
- Clarity and coherence: The completing clause should contribute to the overall clarity and coherence of the sentence, reinforcing the main idea without introducing unnecessary complexity.
- Effectiveness and rhythm: The completing clause should enhance the rhythm and flow of the sentence, creating a sense of balance and symmetry.
By carefully selecting the right completing clause, writers can ensure that their sentences are not only grammatically sound but also engaging and easy to comprehend.
Practical Tips for Using Completing Clauses
Here are some practical tips for effectively using completing clauses to achieve parallelism:
- Read your sentence aloud: This can help you identify any disruptions in parallelism and determine which clause needs to be revised as the completing clause.
- Use consistent grammar: Ensure that the completing clause maintains the same grammatical structure as the preceding clauses, such as verb tense, voice, and form.
- Consider the context: The completing clause should align with the overall context and meaning of the sentence, providing a logical and coherent transition.
By applying these practical tips, writers can effectively incorporate completing clauses into their writing, creating sentences that are not only grammatically precise but also engaging and impactful.
Summary
Parallelism is a crucial aspect of effective writing, and ensuring that clauses within a sentence are parallel is key to maintaining clarity and coherence. The completing clause plays a vital role in achieving parallelism, as it brings balance and symmetry to the overall structure of the sentence. By identifying the clause that completes the parallelism, writers can create polished and impactful sentences that enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement.
Understanding parallelism and the role of completing clauses is essential for writers who seek to elevate the quality of their writing, and by following the principles and practical tips outlined in this article, they can effectively harness the power of parallel structure to create compelling and persuasive writing.
