Global InformationParallel syntax information
In rhetoric, parallel syntax (also known as parallel construction, parallel structure, and parallelism) is a rhetorical device that consists of repetition among adjacent sentences or clauses. The repeated sentences or clauses provide emphasis to a central theme or idea the author is trying to convey.[1] Parallelism is the mark of a mature language speaker.[2]
In language, syntax is the structure of a sentence, thus parallel syntax can also be called parallel sentence structure. This rhetorical tool improves the flow of a sentence as it adds a figure of balance to sentences it is implemented into.[3][4] It also aids in making the sentence more concise by eliminating unnecessary words that could distract the reader from the main idea and following a clear pattern of language. It is a simple way to achieve clarity and avoid ambiguity,[5] but it is avoided unless the relationship of the ideas or details they express justifies parallelism.[5] Parallel structure is like the derived conjunction analysis because it assumes several underlying complete sentences.[6]
In addition to providing emphasis, it is evident that parallel structure appeals to the reader or listener in a variety of ways as well. Primarily, the repetition of clauses promotes a heightened mental ability to process the sentence as a whole; studies have shown that the reiteration of the second clause will increase the speed an individual can process the sentence.[7] Furthermore, it decreases the load of information needed to be processed by the reader, facilitating comprehension.[7] Because it is more appealing, it is also more persuasive.
According to Aristotle, persuasion is created through parallel syntax by means of repetition. Recapping crucial aspects of an argument through properly created phrases and clauses further embeds the idea into the listener, ultimately resulting in persuasion. However, these clauses must be created precisely, in a way similar to poetry, in order to maximize the effect. For example, paired sentences, phrases, or clauses must be created with equal structure in regards to verb and noun choice, along with both number of syllables and meter; according to Aristotle, the more ways in which these aspects match, the more persuasive the argument will be.[8] Faulty parallelism most often occurs with coordinating conjunctions that connect nouns and adjectives.[9]
Using parallel syntax among two clauses is known as an isocolon, when among three clauses it is known as a tricolon.[1] Having similar syntactical structure among clauses or phrases helps the reader identify the similarity of ideas proposed within them.[10] Isocolon is made up of the Greek words iso (equal) and kolon (member), so each part or clause is the same length. A tricolon has 3 clauses that do not need to be the same length. An isocolon can be a tricolon but a tricolon cannot be an isocolon.
Parallel syntax is often used in conjunction with antithesis, anaphora, asyndeton, climax, epistrophe and symploce.[3]
- ^ a b Farnsworth, Ward. Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric. 1st. Boston: David R. Godine, 2011. 74. Print.
- ^ Pooley, Robert C. (1958). "What Grammar Shall I Teach?". The English Journal. 47 (6): 327–333. doi:10.2307/808588. ISSN 0013-8274. JSTOR 808588.
- ^ a b Eidenmuller, Michael E. "Rhetorical Figures in Sound: Parallelism." Rhetorical Figures in Sound: Parallelism. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013.
- ^ Brooks, Phyllis (1973). "Mimesis: Grammar and the Echoing Voice". College English. 35 (2): 161–168. doi:10.2307/375442. ISSN 0010-0994. JSTOR 375442.
- ^ a b Ebbitt, Wilma R., David R. (1990). Index to English, Eighth Edition. New York, New York: Oxford University Press. p. 182.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Parallel Structures in Syntax." Lingua 75.2 (1988): 275-87. Print.
- ^ a b Frazier, Lyn; Taft, Lori; Roeper, Tom; Clifton, Charles; Ehrlich, Kate (March 29, 1984). "Parallel Structure: A Source of Facilitation in Sentence Comprehension". Memory & Cognition. 12 (5): 421–430. doi:10.3758/bf03198303. PMID 6521643.
- ^ Fahnestock, Jeanne (April 1, 2003). "Verbal and Visual Parallelism". Written Communication. 20 (2): 128. doi:10.1177/0741088303020002001. S2CID 144871309.
- ^ Webster, Charles, Merriam, George (1989). Webster's Dictionary of English Usage. Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster. pp. 433–434. ISBN 0-87779-032-9.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Strunk, William. Elements of Style. Ithaca, N.Y.: Priv. print. [Geneva, N.Y.: Press of W.P. Humphrey], 1918; Bartleby.com, 1999. www.bartleby.com/141/.