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I didn’t realize how complicated parallel sentences were until I read the excellent post by over at Daily Writing Tips.
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5 Types of Parallel-Structure Problems
By Mark Nichol
There are many ways to botch the logical organization of a sentence. Here are examples of five variations, along with discussion and revision of each.
1. You can help not only position your organization for success when audited, but you can focus on protecting the sensitive information of your patients.
Probably the the most common of problems with parallel structure is the mangling of “not only . . . but also” comparisons. When a verb sets up both the “not only” point and the “but also” counterpoint, it must precede “not only” so that it is not bound up with the first point and the “but also” phrase can therefore share it. Conversely, when each phrase contains its own verb, as here, one verb must follow “not only” and the other verb must follow “but also”: “You can not only help position your organization for success when audited, but you can also focus on protecting the sensitive information of your patients.”
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