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Parallel Structure and Logical Connectives from A Dictionary of Chinglish

In the Sentence Structure segment of A Dictionary of Chinglish, the in - depth analyses of "Parallel Structure" and "Logical Connectives" offer essential guidance for crafting coherent and effective English sentences. These two concepts, while distinct, work in tandem to enhance the clarity, rhythm, and logical flow of written English.

The chapter on "Parallel Structure" emphasizes that in English, when presenting a series of ideas, elements, or actions, they should be in the same grammatical form. For example, a sentence like "She likes reading, to swim, and painting" violates parallelism because "reading" and "painting" are gerunds, while "to swim" is an infinitive. The correct version should be "She likes reading, swimming, and painting" or "She likes to read, to swim, and to paint." The book elaborates on how inconsistent parallelism not only disrupts the natural cadence of a sentence but can also lead to confusion for the reader. It further illustrates that parallel structure is crucial in various writing scenarios, such as lists, comparisons, and compound sentences, as it helps to establish a clear and balanced relationship between different parts of the text.

The section on "Logical Connectives" focuses on the significance of words and phrases that link ideas together, such as "however," "therefore," "moreover," and "in contrast." These connectives serve as signposts, indicating the relationships between clauses, sentences, and paragraphs. Incorrect or inappropriate use of logical connectives can break the logical thread of a piece of writing. For instance, using "therefore" to imply a causal relationship when there isn't a clear cause - and - effect link can mislead the reader. The book provides numerous examples of how to use these connectives accurately, highlighting their role in creating a seamless transition between thoughts and guiding the reader through the writer's argument or narrative.

Studying these two topics has been a transformative experience for my English writing. The concept of parallel structure has taught me the importance of maintaining consistency in form when presenting related ideas. It has made me more mindful of the need to review lists, comparisons, and complex sentences to ensure that they are grammatically parallel, which not only improves the readability but also gives my writing a more polished and professional feel. Regarding logical connectives, I now realize that they are the backbone of coherent writing. They are not just decorative elements but essential tools for expressing relationships between ideas precisely. I've learned to choose connectives carefully, based on the actual logical relationships I want to convey, rather than using them casually.

In conclusion, the insights from "Parallel Structure" and "Logical Connectives" in A Dictionary of Chinglish have equipped me with practical strategies to elevate my English writing. They have deepened my understanding of how to construct sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also logically sound and stylistically appealing. I am determined to apply these lessons consistently in my future writing, whether it's for academic assignments, professional communications, or personal expressions, to make my writing more engaging and persuasive.