Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Like vs. As
- Comparative vs. Superlative
- Between vs. Among
- Equal vs. Equivalent
- Semicolon vs. Colon
Introduction
Whenever a comparison or list is involved, items must be listed in parallel structure, meaning similar items are compared to each other. Think superficially when comparing for parallel structure. Parallel items typically consist of simple nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
Example
The designer specified that the circuit board should have a length of ten centimeters, a width of eight centimeters and a thickness of two millimeters. Incorrect
The designer specified that the circuit board should be ten centimeters in length, eight centimeters in width and two millimeters in thickness. Correct
To struggle for freedom is not as rewarding as achieving it. Incorrect
Struggling for freedom is not as rewarding as achieving it. Correct
Like vs. As
“Like” should be used to only compare nouns. “As” should be used to compare clauses.
Example
My Uncle looks like Batman
My neighbor yelled as though he were a maniac.
Comparative vs. Superlative
When two or more items are compared, make sure you are using the correct comparative word.
Example
My score was higher than Mike’s score
Of Mike, Dan, and Peter, my score was the highest.
Between vs. Among
Between is used for a comparison between two things. Among is used to compare multiple objects.
Example
I can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
I can’t decide among vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream.
Equal vs. Equivalent
The difference between these two words lies in their degree of impact. Equal means exactly identical. Equivalent means two things are very similar, but not exactly identical.
Example
4+1 is equal to 5.
The United States spent 4 billion dollars on chocolate in 2009, equivalent to the GDP of Somalia.
Semicolon vs. Colon
These two punctuation marks look similar but they are not! A semicolon is used to join two phrases that could stand alone as sentences, instead of using a conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, so). The colon is used after an independent clause to introduce a list of items.
Example
The Writing Center is open seven days a week; students may make an appointment or walk in any time.
The following energy sources are renewable: wind, hydropower, biomass, solar, and nuclear.
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