Have you ever noticed how certain phrases stick in your mind long after you’ve read them? Many memorable quotes and powerful statements share a common literary technique: parallelism.
What Is Parallelism?
Parallelism is a figure of speech in which two or more elements of a sentence (or series of sentences) share the same grammatical structure. This elegant balance creates rhythm, emphasizes key points, and makes ideas more memorable.
Consider Neil Armstrong’s historic words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The parallel structure creates a powerful contrast between “small step” and “giant leap” while maintaining symmetry through the repeated “one.”
Why Parallelism Works
Parallelism works because our brains crave patterns. When we encounter parallel structures, the information becomes:
- Easier to process
- Simpler to remember
- More pleasing to hear
Common examples surround us in everyday language:
- “Like mother, like daughter” (I especially like this one because I have two daughters)
- “No pain, no gain” (So far in 2025, my favorite place is the YMCA…great exercise classes)
- “Stupid is as stupid does” (Remember the movie, Forrest Gump?)
These phrases endure because their parallel structure creates a satisfying rhythm that resonates with listeners.
Parallelism in Literature
Bernard M. Baruch demonstrated masterful parallelism with: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” Isn’t that deep and so true?
Notice the beautiful symmetry between “those who mind don’t matter” and “those who matter don’t mind.” This reversal creates emphasis while maintaining grammatical balance.
When properly employed, parallelism transforms ordinary writing into something extraordinary—creating flow, emphasizing relationships between ideas, and giving your words the rhythm and power they deserve.
Give it a shot and add parallelism to your writing. Try it once, use it often, love it always (how do you like mine?).