Parallelism Examples

Parallelism is the term used to refer to the repetition of similar grammatical constructions in a sentence or over successive lines of prose or poetry. Parallelism helps to create coherence by adding rhythm and flow to sentences and lines of text.

1. On vacation, our family went fishing, went swimming, and went horse-back riding.

2. I am woman; I am mother; I am fierce.

3. In class, at work, and on the field, Martin strives for excellence.

4. Easy come, easy go.

5. The phone was ringing, the dishes were washing, and the dinner was burning.

Examples of Parallelism in Literature

1. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness . . ." A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens

2. "I'll give my jewels for a set of beads, My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, My gay apparel for an almsman's gown, My figured goblets for a dish of wood . . . ." Richard II, Shakespeare

3. "O well for the fisherman's boy, That he shouts with his sister at play! O well for the sailor lad, That he sings in his boat on the bay!" "Break, Break," Tennyson