Parallel Structure: A Writing Conundrum and Solution
When it comes to maintaining clarity and coherence in writing and speaking, parallel structure is essential. It ensures that ideas flow smoothly and are easily understood by the reader or listener. However, there may be instances where choosing the correct parallel structure can be challenging, as evidenced by instances of misspelled and improperly structured sentences. The correct spelling of a commonly misspelled word and the application of parallel structure are crucial for effective communication.
Correct Spelling and Usage of 'Visiting'
Let's start with a common spelling mistake. The correct spelling of the word is visiting, not visitting. Ensuring words are spelled correctly is the first step in effective communication. Misspellings can detract from the professionalism of your writing and may cause unnecessary confusion for your readers.
Parallel Structure and Its Importance
Parallel structure, often referred to as balance or matching elements in a sentence, is a fundamental tool for good writing. It helps to avoid awkward phrasing and enhances the readability of your text. The rule of parallel structure is particularly important when using phrases with either and or.
For example, consider the sentence:
Bill was an office manager who realized that due to budget constraints and decreasing workload, he would need to fire one employee. He had narrowed it down to either Susan or Jack.
The next day, Susan walked into the office before Jack did, and Bill said:
I’m going to have to either lay you or Jack off.
Susan replied, "Well, that’s your problem because I have a splitting headache."
While the sentence is correct in terms of grammar, it fails to adhere to the principle of parallel structure. To ensure clarity and correctness, the sentence should be rephrased as:
I’m going to have to either lay off Susan or lay off Jack.
Using the parallel structure "either A or B" makes the sentence clearer and easier to understand. For instance:
You can either meet me at home or telephone me at the office.
Here, "either" introduces a verb ("meet"), and "or" introduces another verb ("telephone"), creating a parallel structure.
Translating Parallel Structure to Sentences
Consider the following complex sentence:
Either at home or at the office, you can either ignore me or meet me.
This structure is not entirely correct because "either" and "or" create two separate clauses that do not parallel each other. A better way to express this idea would be:
At home or at the office, you can either meet me or ignore me.
Here, "either" introduces a verb ("meet"), and "or" introduces another verb ("ignore"). This creates a clear and effective parallel structure.
Alternative Sentence Structure
There are instances where a simple variation can make the sentence clearer and maintain parallel structure without losing any important information.
For example, the sentence:
Yes, indeed, you can either meet me at home or telephone me at the office.
Here, the verb "meet" is followed by the prepositional phrase "at home," while "telephone" is followed by a prepositional phrase "at the office." This allows for a more balanced and understandable sentence.
Conclusion
To conclude, parallel structure is a powerful tool in effective writing. Using it appropriately ensures that your sentences are clear, concise, and professional. Whether you are writing for an email, a blog post, or a professional article, adhering to the rules of parallel structure can significantly enhance the quality of your writing. Hence, it is crucial to always review your sentences for parallel construction to ensure they are both correct and communicative.