Syntax is the part of linguistics that studies the structure and formation of sentences. It explains how words and phrases are arranged to form correct sentences. A sentence could make no sense and still be correct from the syntax point of view as long as words are in their appropriate spots and agree with each other.
Types of Syntax (Sentence Structures)
Types of sentences and their syntax modes include simple sentences, compound sentences, complex sentences, and compound-complex sentences. Compound sentences are two simple sentences joined by a conjunction. Complex sentences have dependent clauses, and compound-complex sentences have both types included.
- 1. Simple sentence: The girl ran. Structure: Subject-verb.
- 2. Compound sentence: The girl ran the marathon, and her cousin did, too. Structure: Subject-verb-object-conjunction-subject-verb.
- 3. Complex sentence: Although they were tired after the marathon, the cousins decided to go to a celebration at the park. Structure: Dependent clause-subject-verb-object.
- 4. Compound-complex sentence: Although they weren't fond of crowds, this was different, they decided, because of the common goal that had brought everyone together. Structure: Four clauses, dependent and independent.
Parallel Structure in Sentences
When constructing sentences, it is important to always keep in mind that ideas should be parallel.
In English, parallel structure is most often an issue when creating a series list. Therefore, we will look at an example of appropriate parallel structure through lists.
Correct example:
- I like running, jumping, and hiking.
In this example, three gerunds are used (running, jumping, hiking) to create the grammatically correct list.
Incorrect example:
- I like to run, jumping, and hiking.
In this example, “to run” and “jumping” and “hiking” are not parallel. “To run” is an infinitive and “jumping” and “hiking” are gerunds. This sentence is grammatically incorrect and this sentence does not have proper syntax.
Thank You...
Hello lana,
ReplyDeletecan you give more examples about parallel structures in sentences ?
Because i dont understand. Thankyou lana :)
Yes of course cik, but you can search first before i give to you
Deleteplease give another sentences series of parallel structure, thanks
ReplyDeleteExamples of Parallel Structure on Lists
DeleteWhen you have items on a list following a colon, the items should all be in the same form in order to avoid a parallel structure error.
Some examples can illustrate this point:
Correct: The following activities can be done at the mall: buying groceries, eating lunch, and paying bills.
Incorrect: The following activities can be done at the mall: buying groceries, eating lunch and bill payment.
Correct: In your bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet, and a desk.
Incorrect: In your bedroom, you will find the following: a bed, a closet and, sitting at a desk.
Correct: Dogs are great pets for the following reasons: they are loyal, they are loving, and they are obedient.
Incorrect: Dogs are great pets for the following reasons: they are loyal, they are loving, and because of their obedience.
Correct: People who get ahead do lots of different things such as: studying, working hard, and going to college.
Incorrect: People who get ahead do lots of different things such as: studying, working hard, and attend college.
Parallel Structure in Verb Tense
Keep in mind that parallel structure should be used when it comes to verb tense. Your verb tenses should always match.
Some examples include:
Correct: She wrote a letter and mailed it to the school.
Incorrect: She writes a letter and mailed it to the school.
Correct: Yesterday we watched a movie, played video games and made pizza.
Incorrect: Yesterday we watched a movie, play video games and made pizza.
Thank you
your blog is boring btw
ReplyDeleteWhat is importance of learning parallel structure? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThe importance is Parallel structure provides flow in a sentence. It keeps your writing balanced and makes it easier to read. It also shows that ideas are of equal importance. Errors in parallel structure errors can make your writing sound strange to listeners. Many tests, including the SAT, will require you to identify parallel structure errors as a means of testing your writing abilities.
Deletewhy is it called parallel structure
ReplyDeleteBecause because first sentence until the last is same, like ing
Deletewhether you can't enter the names of experts in your material
ReplyDeleteis this material your own work 😄😀? why are you too lazy to enter the names of experts🤔
ReplyDeleteI think you are lazy. because you have repeated the same sentence on my blog, and I also see it on other blogs. please study creatively and don't be lazy okay?
DeleteCan u give the example of compound sentence ?
ReplyDeleteYes, of course sist.
DeleteCompound Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions
As you've seen above, many compound sentences are made using coordinating conjunctions. In this case, the sentence must contain a comma before the conjunction for correct punctuation. For example:
She did not cheat on the test, for it was the wrong thing to do.
I really need to go to work, but I am too sick to drive.
I am counting my calories, yet I really want dessert.
He ran out of money, so he had to stop playing poker.
They got there early, and they got really good seats.
They had no ice cream left at home, nor did they have money to go to the store.
Everyone was busy, so I went to the movie alone.
I thought the promotion was mine, but my attendance wasn't good enough.
Should we start class now, or wait for everyone to get here?
It was getting dark, and we weren't near the cabin yet.
Cats are good pets, for they are clean and are not noisy.
We have never been to Asia, nor have we visited Africa.
He didn't want to go to the dentist, yet he went anyway.
Compound Sentences With a Semicolon
It's also possible to join compound sentences simply by combining two complete sentences into one long sentence without any additional words. In this case, you must use a semicolon to join your two independent clauses. For example:
Joe made the sugar cookies; Susan decorated them.
While this is grammatically correct, it's also possible to smooth the transition from one clause to the other with conjunctive adverbs such as however, besides, therefore and meanwhile. To use these properly, place them after the semicolon and add a comma after the conjunctive adverb. For example:
It was a difficult assignment; however, Kelly was up to the challenge.
Observe additional compound sentence examples joined by semicolons below:
The sky is clear; the stars are twinkling.
The waves were crashing on the shore; it was a lovely sight.
There were white-out conditions in the town; therefore, the roads were impassable.
Check back tomorrow; I will see if the book has arrived.
He said he was not there yesterday; many people saw him there.
I am happy to take your donation; any amount will be greatly appreciated.
She only paints with bold colors; indeed, she does not like pastels at all.
She works two jobs to make ends meet; at least, that was her reason for not having time to join us.
Malls are great places to shop; I can find everything I need under one roof.
Italy is my favorite country; I plan to spend two weeks there next year.
He turned in the research paper on Friday; he would have not passed the class otherwise.
You need to pack the appropriate things for camping; for example, a sleeping bag will keep you warm.
I have paid my dues; as a result, I expect to receive all the privileges listed in the bylaws.
could you give me the example of complex sentence ?
ReplyDeleteyes.. of course
DeleteCommon Complex Sentence Examples
Let's take a look at some common complex sentence examples pertaining to everyday life. In each example, the independent clause is underlined.
Because my coffee was too cold, I heated it in the microwave.
Although he was wealthy, he was still unhappy.
She returned the computer after she noticed it was damaged.
Whenever prices goes up, customers buy less products.
Because I had to catch the train, and as we were short on time, I forgot to pack my toothbrush for our vacation.
As she was bright and ambitious, she became a manager in no time.
Wherever you go, you can always find beauty.
Evergreen trees are a symbol of fertility because they do not die in the winter.
Although it was very long, the movie was still enjoyable.
You should take your car in for a service because it's starting to make weird noises.
The actor was happy he got a part in a movie even though the part was small.
After the tornado hit, there was very little left standing.
The museum was very interesting, as I expected.
Now that he's rich and famous, people make allowances for his idiosyncrasies.
Even though he's thoroughly trained, he still makes a lot of mistakes.
Since winter is coming, I think I'll knit a warm sweater, because I'm always cold.
When she was younger, she believed in fairy tales.
I have to save this coupon in case I come back to the store tomorrow.
Let's go back to Chez Nous because it's where we had our first date.
Although my friends begged me, I chose not to go to the reunion.
As genes change over time, evolution progresses.
I really didn't like the movie even though the acting was good.
When he got a creampie smashed in his face, everyone laughed.
After being apart for years, he still had feelings for her.
Hi Lana, is there any types of parallel sentence? If yes, can you mention them?
ReplyDeleteanyway, today I visited several blogs including yours, should I regret once again? This blog is out of date y’know.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you to give more explanation about this material. This is too short. Make it clear okay.
ReplyDeleteOkay thank you for your suggestion:)
DeleteI will give an example:
ReplyDeletea 'greenhouse (compound noun)
a green 'house (adjective and noun)
What is the difference between compound noun and merging adj + noun?
I think you have to add more examples.
ReplyDeleteOke sist, but actually you can search first:D
DeleteYour writing blog isn't neat. Thus damaging my vision when viewing your blog.
ReplyDeleteHi dude! Who do you say the definition of syntax is based on? Based on your own thoughts? Are you a professor? Take an explanation based on the expert, then conclude with your statement.
ReplyDeleteUm about your types of sytax, there are any 4 types right? Are you copas? Bcs I saw the same explanation in another blog.
ReplyDeleteSorry sist, maybe that you mean syntax:)
DeleteNo sist, actually there are types of syntax, but in my blog i just mention 4, if you want to know more, you can search:)
Please give me some example sentences about Compound-complex according to expert.
ReplyDeleteWhat the meaning of syntax?
ReplyDeleteSyntax is the grammatical structure of words and phrases to create coherent sentences.
DeleteGive me more example by your self
ReplyDeleteU should read more article, and i think it will be amazing
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSome paragraph has a big font, another paragraph has the small one, hm goodbye
ReplyDeletethe writing is so small that I can't read it
ReplyDeleteHaha you can use eyeglasses if you can't read my blog:)
DeleteYour blog is not interesting to read because it is not accompanied by a picture or video of the material explanation
ReplyDeletegive me example abaout compound-complex
ReplyDeletelana, what kind of text that often uses parallel structure ?
ReplyDeleteTeks that from the first sentence until the last is same, like if the first sentence using "ing" until the last using "ing" too
DeleteHey, what are you doing your blog like a messy warehouse!
ReplyDeleteyou should pay more attention to the neatness of your blog so that people are interested in reading it!
ReplyDeleteOkey thankyou for your suggestion sis:) I will make be better tomorrow
Deletecan you give an example of at least 5 about compound complex syntax?
ReplyDeletelana, your blog is not creative.
ReplyDeletelana, please give me more example from Parallel Structure in Sentences, thx u.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteParallel structure should be used when you connect clauses with a coordinating conjunction such as: for, and, nor, or, but, so, or yet. Some examples of this include:
DeleteCorrect: Every morning, we make our bed, eat breakfast and feed the dog.
Incorrect: Every morning, we make our bed, eating breakfast and feed the dog.
Correct: I will not sing a song, nor will I dance.
Incorrect: I will not sing a song, nor dance.
In addition to coordinating conjunctions, parallel structure is also used with correlative conjunctions such as: either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also. Some examples of this use include:
Correct: They argued not only about the article, but also about the review.
Incorrect: They argued not only about the article, but they argued also about the review.
Correct: Either she likes to see him or she doesn't like to see him.
Incorrect: Either she likes to see him or doesn't like seeing him.
Parallel structure should be used with infinitives. Some examples of parallel structure with infinitives:
Correct: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and to jump rope.
Incorrect: Ashley likes to ski, to swim and jump ropes.
Correct: She likes to dance and to sing songs.
Incorrect: She likes dancing and to sing songs.
Be consistent and use parallel structure with words that end in -ing. Some examples of parallel structure of words that end in -ing:
Correct: Joe likes running, walking and being active.
Incorrect: Joe likes running, walking and outdoor activities.
Correct: We enjoy relaxing and sitting out in the sun.
Incorrect: We enjoy relaxing and like to sit out in the sun.
Parallel structure should be used when writing clauses. Some examples of clauses using parallel structure are:
Correct: The teacher told them that they need to study and that they should practice their words every night.
Incorrect: The teacher told them to study and that they should practice their words every night.
Correct: My parents said get a good education and do not settle for less.
Incorrect: My parents said to get a good education and not settle for less.
Some more examples of parallel structure include:
Correct: Mary wanted to make sure that she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuasively.
Incorrect: Mary wanted to make sure she made her presentation creatively, effectively and persuaded others.
Correct: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and he was a good leader.
Incorrect: Tim was considered to be a good employee because he was always on time, he was very motivated and led the team well.
what the example of parallel sentence?
ReplyDelete"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
Delete"My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." -John F. Kennedy
"I don't want to live on in my work. I want to live on in my apartment." -Woody Allen
"Today's students can put dope in their veins or hope in their brains. If they can conceive it and believe it, they can achieve it. They must know it is not their aptitude but their attitude that will determine their altitude." -Jesse Jackson
"For the end of a theoretical science is truth, but the end of a practical science is performance." -Aristotle
"My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors." -Barack Obama
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." -Neil Armstrong
"We've seen the unfurling of flags, the lighting of candles, the giving of blood, the saying of prayers." -George W. Bush
what the example of syntax types?
ReplyDeletei think u just copy paste. try to make with ur own word darl
ReplyDeleteSory sist, I ATM, no copast:)
DeleteYour blog is not complete
ReplyDeleteBut it is helpfull
ReplyDeleteThankyou sist
ReplyDeleteHe, makes a same font size for your post text will being nice
ReplyDeleteoke honey thankyou:)
Deletethis is boring
ReplyDeleteStrongly recommended!!! Great blog. I have already read this article for many many times. This was some awesome info that is going to aid me in making my transition from the cage to the stage. I found the advice in this article Compound Sentences both practical and well presented.Thank you very much!
ReplyDelete