Though the rule of thumb with parallelism is that nouns must be parallel with nouns and verbs must be parallel with verbs, we also must make sure that the particular type of noun runs parallel to that same type. In this respect, there are two types of verbs: concrete verbs and action verbs. Concrete verbs, as their name implies, refer to persons, places, or things (e.g. John, country, car). Action nouns, as their name implies, refer to actions (e.g. process, narration, arrival, growth).

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To make sure a sentence properly demonstrates parallelism, do not make a concrete noun parallel to an action noun.

Simple vs. Complex Gerund Phrases

A gerund is an ‘ing’ verb that functions as a noun, as in the sentence “I enjoy running.” Gerund phrases, as in the sentence “Running through the park is my favorite activity,” are phrases that function as whole nouns. There are two types of gerund phrases: simple and complex. Simple gerund phrases, like the previously used example “Running through the park is my favorite activity,” use the gerund as a noun, but the gerund phrase can be used as a verb phrase:

As Noun: “Running through the park is my favorite activity

As verb: I am running through the park.

Complex gerund phrases are quite different. They often placxe an article (a or the) or an adjective in front of the gerund, and sometimes, the phrase employs an of-prepositional phrase:

Complex Gerund Phrase: The Running of the Bulls was quite a sight to see.

Notice that the gerund phrase, in this case, cannot be used as a verb phrase (i.e. I cannot say “I am Running of the Bulls). It’s important to distinguish between complex and simple gerund phrases because we cannot make them parallel to each other even if they are both gerunds

Incorrect: I enjoyed sitting in the park and the viewing of the meteor shower.

Correct: I enjoyed siting in the park and viewing the meteor shower.

More importantly, only complex gerund phrases can be parallel to action nouns.

Incorrect: The lobbyists requested the implementation of health care reforms, reductions in state taxes, and increasing awareness of environmental issues to the general public.

Notice that implementation and reductions are action nouns, but “increasing awareness of environmental issues” is a simple gerund phrase, and so it does not properly run parallel to the action nouns. To render the sentence parallel, we need to change this simple gerund phrase into action noun or a complex gerund phrase:

Correct:: The lobbyists requested the implementation of health care reforms, reductions in state taxes, and an increase in awareness of environmental issues to the general public.

One last note: when offered a choice between the complex gerund phrase and the action noun (if such a word exists) to replace a simple gerund phrase, generally go with the action noun.

Awkward: The lobbyists requested the implementation of health care reform and the reducing of state taxes.

Better:  The lobbyists requested the implementation of health care reform and the reduction of state taxes.

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