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Parallelism - GCSE English Language Definition

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

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Parallelism is a literary and rhetorical device used in writing to create balance, rhythm, and clarity by structuring sentences or phrases in a similar pattern. In the context of GCSE English, it involves using the same grammatical structure for multiple parts of a sentence or for different sentences to highlight similarities or create emphasis. For example, in the sentence "To err is human, to forgive divine," the parallel structure "to err" and "to forgive" enhances the impact of the statement. Parallelism not only improves readability but also makes arguments more persuasive and speeches more memorable.

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Deb Orrock

Reviewer: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

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