Using Parallel Verbs – Lesson
Parallel verbs, also known as parallelism in verbs, is a stylistic device used to enhance the clarity, flow, and coherence of writing. It involves using verbs in a sentence or series of sentences that are matched in their tense, form, and voice. When verbs are parallel, each element of the sentence complements the others, providing a smoother reading experience and reinforcing the relationships between ideas. This technique is especially important in complex sentences where maintaining a clear and consistent structure helps the reader understand the relationships and actions being described.
When speaking and writing in English, we sometimes use more than one verb to describe what is happening. For example:
Thomas speaks and studies English.
The important thing to remember is- when the subject does two or more things, the verbs use the same tense. More examples:
Thomas spoke and studied English.
Thomas will speak and (will) study English.
Thomas can speak and (can) study English.
Thomas is speaking and (is) studying English.
If the verb has a helping verb (like will, can, is, are, etc.) you must use it before the first verb but you may or may not use it after. It is your choice. Usually it is not used.
To test your understanding of parallel verbs, here are eight questions that will challenge your ability to identify and correct non-parallel structures. Each question will provide a sentence; your task is to rewrite it if necessary, ensuring all verbs are parallel. Pay attention to the form and tense of the verbs used, and remember the principles discussed in the FAQs.
Check Your Understanding
Are these sentences correct? Select your answer. Check your answers below.
1. John goes to the cafe and ate breakfast.
Correct
Not correct
2. Marty will bring the game and plays it.
Correct
Not correct
3. Alex can play the piano and sing songs.
Correct
Not correct
4. Tory is helping and watching at the same time.
Correct
Not correct
5. Mr. Jones can drive a car and eating lunch.
Correct
Not correct
6. Helen sits and waited for the train.
Correct
Not correct
7. Cary will go to school and will study there.
Correct
Not correct
8. Franklin cleans his house and found his keys.
Correct
Not correct
Answer Key:
- NC
- NC
- C
- C
- NC
- NC
- C
- NC
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Parallel Verbs
Parallel verbs occur when two or more verbs within a sentence share the same grammatical form, maintaining consistency and balance. For example, in the sentence “She likes hiking, biking, and swimming,” the verbs “likes,” “hiking,” “biking,” and “swimming” are all in the same form, which keeps the sentence clear and rhythmic.
Using parallel verbs enhances readability and clarity by ensuring that each part of the sentence follows the same grammatical pattern. This consistency helps the reader focus on the content without being distracted by irregular structures, making your writing more effective and persuasive.
Without parallel verbs: “She likes to swim, jogging, and to paint.” With parallel verbs: “She likes to swim, jog, and paint.” The corrected version uses the infinitive form for all verbs, improving the sentence’s flow and coherence.
A common mistake is mixing different verb forms in a list or comparison. For example, avoid sentences like “He enjoys reading, to write, and playing chess.” Instead, align the verb forms: “He enjoys reading, writing, and playing chess.”
Parallel verbs should be consistent with other parallel elements in a sentence, such as nouns, adjectives, or clauses. For instance, in the sentence “She was responsible for hiring new staff, training them, and to oversee their progress,” the correct form would be “She was responsible for hiring new staff, training them, and overseeing their progress.”