In about 100 words, define parallel construction and then discuss two or more reasons writers use parallel construction.

Parallel construction means using the same pattern or structure of words.

For example, in the sentence: "I went swimming, hiking, and sledding" the actions swimming, hiking, and sledding are all in the same structure -- they are parallel.

First, a writer would use parallel construction for better clarity. Writing that does not use parallel construction is often confusing and poorly written.

Secondly, a writer would use parallel construction to indicate ideas that are equally important.