Parallel syntax

In rhetoric, Parallel Syntax (also known as parallel construction and parallelism) is a rhetorical device that consists of repetition among adjacent sentences or clauses. The repeated sentences or clauses provides emphasis to a center theme or idea the author is trying to convey.

In language, syntax is the structure of a sentence, so this can also be called parallel sentence structure. This rhetorical tool improves the flow of a sentence, making it more concise by eliminating unnecessary words that could distract the reader from the main point. Parallel structure is like the derived conjunction analysis because it assumes several underlying complete sentences.

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. Furthermore, it decreases the load of information needed to be processed by the reader, facilitating comprehension. Employment of parallel structure is not only persuasive; it is emotionally appealing to the reader.

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.

Using Parallel syntax among two clauses is known as an Isocolon, when among three clauses it is known as a Tricolon. Having similar syntactical structure among clauses or phrases helps the reader identify the similarity of ideas proposed within them.

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.

Also, parallel syntax adds a figure of balance to sentences it is implemented into. Parallel syntax is often used in conjunction with Antithesis, Anaphora, Asyndeton, Climax, Epistrophe and Symploce.

Examples

Examples of Parallel structure used alongside other rhetorical devices:

• Anaphora (repetition of the beginning of successive clauses): "I live, I love, I laugh."
• Epistrophe (repetition of the end of successive clauses): "Work stinks, wife stinks, dog stinks."
• Climax (increasing in intensified meaning): “I like him, I love him, I need him.”
• Asyndeton (purposely leaving out conjunctions to compact a sentence): “Reduce, reuse, recycle.”
• Symploce (simultaneous use of anaphora and epistrophe): “If you sing I will smile, if you laugh I will smile, if you love I will smile.”
• Antithesis (two opposite ideas put together to achieve a contrasting effect): “A small step for man, a giant step for mankind.”

Examples of Isocolons and Tricolons:

• Isocolon: “Veni, vidi, vici.”
• Tricolon: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

The English version of the Latin phrase cannot be an Isocolon because the third clause is not the same length as the first two. "Veni, vidi, vici" is both an Isocolon and a Tricolon, but "I came, I saw, I conquered" is only a Tricolon.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do use the same forms in each clause: "She wants to sing, she wants to act, she wants to dance."
• Don’t mix forms: "She wants to sing, she wants to act, she wants to be a dancer."

The final clause in this sentence does not match the preceding two.

History

The first known instances of parallel syntax can be traced back to Aristotle in his book Rhetoric. Aristotle underlines the fact that it is very useful in persuasion to pair multiple sentences, each with very similar clauses and phrases to the point that they are equal or nearly equal in syllable count; Aristotle perfected this art by creating various examples to be cited in a very metrically organized way. However, although Aristotle did provide examples and a definition, there is evidence to support that he was simply not comfortable with the amount of power tied to the styling of sentences; with a proper design of sentence, Aristotle believed that one can wield incredible amounts of persuasive power.