Some SAT grammar rules are easier to understand when you stop thinking about grammar and start thinking about patterns.
Parallel structure is a perfect example.
The basic idea is simple:
When parts of a sentence are doing the same job, they should usually have the same grammatical structure.
If a sentence starts a list with verbs, keep using verbs. If it starts with nouns, keep using nouns. And when certain word pairs appear, the ideas connected by those words should match.
Think of it as keeping your sentence balanced.
What Is Parallel Structure?
Suppose you wanted to describe someone’s favorite activities.
You might write:
Jordan enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking.
Notice the pattern:
- swimming
- hiking
- biking
All three words have the same grammatical form.
That’s parallel structure.
Now look at this version:
Jordan enjoys swimming, hiking, and to ride his bike.
Something feels off.
The first two activities use -ing verbs, while the third suddenly switches to to ride.
A better version would be:
Jordan enjoys swimming, hiking, and biking.
The ideas match, so the sentence feels balanced.
Lists Should Follow the Same Pattern
Lists are one of the easiest places to spot parallel structure.
Correct:
The internship taught Maya how to communicate clearly, manage her time, and solve problems.
Each item follows the same basic pattern:
verb + additional information
- communicate clearly
- manage her time
- solve problems
Now consider this:
The internship taught Maya how to communicate clearly, time management, and solve problems.
The middle item breaks the pattern.
“Communicate” and “solve” are verbs, while “time management” is a noun phrase.
The sentence needs to choose a structure and stick with it.
On the SAT, when you see a list, check whether all the items are built the same way.
Parallel Structure Matters with Only Two Items Too
You don’t need a long list for this rule to matter.
Two connected ideas should also be parallel.
Example:
The researcher hoped to identify the cause and to develop a solution.
The two ideas match:
- to identify
- to develop
You could also write:
The researcher hoped to identify the cause and develop a solution.
That works too because “to” can apply naturally to both verbs.
What you want to avoid is an awkward shift in structure.
Incorrect:
The researcher hoped to identify the cause and the development of a solution.
The first part describes an action using a verb, while the second uses a noun phrase.
The balance has disappeared.
Watch for “Either…Or”
Certain word pairs can signal that you need parallel structure.
One common pair is:
either…or
Whatever follows either should match the structure of whatever follows or.
Example:
The committee will either approve the proposal or reject it completely.
We have:
- approve the proposal
- reject it completely
Both sides begin with verbs.
Nice and balanced.
Watch for “Not Only…But Also”
Another important pair is:
not only…but also
The structures following these phrases should match.
Correct:
The program not only reduces costs but also saves time.
We have:
- reduces costs
- saves time
Both sides follow the same pattern.
Awkward:
The program not only reduces costs but also the saving of time.
The first half uses a verb phrase, while the second suddenly switches to a noun phrase.
The ideas may make sense, but the structures don’t match.
Position Matters Too
Parallel structure isn’t only about choosing the right type of word. Sometimes it’s about putting paired words in the right places.
Consider:
Liam enjoys not only reading novels but also writing short stories.
The two matching pieces are:
- reading novels
- writing short stories
The sentence is balanced on both sides of not only…but also.
This can be especially helpful on the SAT. When you see a paired construction, identify what comes immediately after each half and compare the structures.
Think of paired expressions as two sides of a balance scale. What appears on one side should match what appears on the other.
Don’t Let Long Sentences Hide the Pattern
As usual, the SAT may make a simple grammar rule look harder by placing it inside a complicated sentence.
You might encounter something like:
The new technology allows scientists to collect information more quickly, analyze large amounts of data, and share their findings with researchers around the world.
That’s a long sentence, but the important pattern is simple:
- collect information
- analyze data
- share findings
Three verbs. Three matching structures.
Once you identify the pattern, the sentence becomes much easier to analyze.
A Simple SAT Strategy
When you suspect that a question is testing parallel structure, find the pieces being compared or listed.
Then ask:
What pattern has the sentence already established?
If you see:
running, jumping, and _____
you’re probably looking for another -ing word.
If you see:
to study and to _____
you’re probably looking for another verb in the same form.
And if you see:
either _____ or _____
or:
not only _____ but also _____
compare what’s on both sides.
The answer that maintains the pattern will usually be the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Parallel structure is really about consistency.
When ideas have the same role in a sentence, their grammatical structures should match.
So when you’re working through an SAT grammar question, keep an eye out for lists, connected actions, and paired expressions such as either…or and not only…but also.
Then look for the pattern.
Find the pattern. Keep the pattern.
That’s the heart of parallel structure.
Once you get used to spotting those patterns, sentences that once looked complicated can become surprisingly easy to untangle.