Lesson: English Grammar - 20

When is Parallelism an Issue?

[Page 20 of 28]

As we saw in the last example, the simple conjunction "and" can create a need for parallelism. Basically, whenever more than one part of the sentence picks up on the same phrase earlier in the sentence, you're dealing with parallelism.

However, there are some word pairs which alert you to the fact that a parallel is being set up. They are:

  • either…or
  • neither…nor
  • not only…but also

Whatever follows the first and the second part of these pairs must have the same grammatical form. Thus, if you have an adjective following one, you need an adjective to follow the other, and so on. See the following correct examples:

  • Either Jane or Elena must attend the party. (Proper nouns follow "either" and "or.")
  • Neither the sofa nor the chair was comfortable to sit on. (Nouns follow "neither" and "nor.")
  • When she finished the competition, she was not only exhausted, but also exhilarated. (Adjectives follow "not only" and "but also.")
Back Next

Next to display next topic in the chapter.

Test Prep Lessons With Video Lessons and Explained MCQ

Large number of solved practice MCQ with explanations. Video Lessons and 10 Fully explained Grand/Full Tests.

Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning English General Knowledge Picture Patterns
More for You
MCQ with question Explanations Scholarships and Financial Aid

Issue Analysis

How to deal with writing section - Issue Analysis

Sentence Completion

Learn to crack Sentence Completion section of the test

Merits in Pakistan

Calculate merit for any university for admission in a particular field

All in this Category

You may be interested in

Colleges in Quetta

Find a comprehensive list of major ...

Colleges in Sukkur

Find a comprehensive list of major ...

CSS and PMS Essays

A list of written essays for CSS an ...

Interviews

How to deal with job or admission I ...

GRE Mathematics

Complete review of GRE Mathematics ...

CSS Exam

All about the preliminary requireme ...

NUST Engineering

National University of Science and ...

Aga Khan Medical University

AKU is the top ranked maedical univ ...

About us

EntryTest.com is a test preparation service for students seeking successful career.

About Disclaimer

Quick Test Prep

NUST NET IBA Karachi SAT LUMS LCAT LSE

 

NTS GAT NTS NAT GMAT GRE ACT

Study Abroad

Education Abroad Business Schools MS in USA