Parallelism - Shall we compare Singular sentence with Singul

[me.prasanna]

Hi,

I just read in one of the forum that we must compare Singular with Singular and Parallel with Parallel when looking for Parallelism.

Is it really true?

Please reply as soon as possible.

Thanks

[me.prasanna]

Hi,

Sorry for the typing mistake.
Here is what i meant:

I just read in one of the forum that we must compare Singular phrase with Singular phrase and plural phrase with plural phrase when looking for Parallelism.

Is it true?

For example :

Oranges are orange and apple is red.

Is this incorrect ?

[RonPurewal]

Hi,

Sorry for the typing mistake.
Here is what i meant:

I just read in one of the forum that we must compare Singular phrase with Singular phrase and plural phrase with plural phrase when looking for Parallelism.

Is it true?

For example :

Oranges are orange and apple is red.

Is this incorrect ?

whenever it's POSSIBLE, you should do this.

so, for instance, "newfoundland dogs are large, but the chihuahua is small" would be INCORRECT. it should be either "newfoundland dogs" and "chihuahuas", or "the newfoundland dog" and "the chihuahua".

however, in some CONTEXTS, it's IMPOSSIBLE to square up the singular and the plural.
for instance, let's say i went to the grocery store and bought 1 apple and 4 bananas. then, if i said the following...
the apple was spoiled, but the bananas were fine
...then it would be ok.