An ELT Glossary : Parallel syntax
- Definition : The repetition of a sentence, clause or phrase structure within a piece of text,which helps
to give cohesion to the text. It may be used for dramatic or rhetorical effect
- Example : "A small step for man, a giant step for mankind." (Neil Armstrong, as he stepped onto the moon for the first time)
- Example : "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)
- Political speeches will often use parallel syntax as a persuasive, rhetorical device (eg Barack Obama's Yes we can speech : We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics…. We've been asked to
pause for a reality check. We've been warned against .. ). It's often found in advertisements for the same reason : Tastes more like Coke. Looks more like Coke (Coca Cola Zero Sugar)
