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

Sentence Equivalence

Learn to crack Sentence Equivalence section of the test

English Grammar

easy to learn English Grammar for test preparation

Precis Writing

How to write Precis with solved examples

All in this Category

You may be interested in

Defence Authority Degree College - Karachi

A popular name in the colleges of K ...

Colleges in karachi

A comprehensive list of major colle ...

Pakistan Study Visa

How you can get study visa to Pakis ...

Business School Admission Process

A detailed discussion about how you ...

Pakistan Army Selection and Recruitment Tests

Join Pakistan Army. How it is possi ...

ISSB Coding Decoding Questions

All about to learn ISSB Coding Deco ...

Scope in Pharmacy

About Pharmacy and list of universi ...

IBA - Institute of Business Administration

A big name in business management s ...

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