Parallel subordination of subordinate clauses is one of three types of subordination of secondary (or dependent) parts in a complex sentence. Each type has its own subtleties and tricks, knowing which you can easily determine this type.
Homogeneous, sequential and parallel subordination of clauses
All three types characterize the order in which the answer to the question posed from the main part of the sentence occurs. It is worth noting that there can be (and most often happens) several accessory parts and they can stand both in front of the main part and after it.
Homogeneous subordination of subordinate clauses is such subordination when all secondary parts answer the same question. As a rule, such subordinate clauses have one common union or allied word. For example: "Mom told me that everything would be fine and that she would buy me a doll." In this case, one common union "what" can be seen. However, there are also cases when the union is omitted, but it is implied. An example is the following sentence: “Nastya noticed that he was looking at her and he had a blush oncheeks." In this version, the union is omitted, but the meaning remains the same. It is very important to clearly see this omitted conjunction, as such sentences are often found on the exam.
Sequential subordination of subordinate clauses is such a subordination when secondary members answer the question of their "predecessor", That is, questions are asked from each part of the sentence to the subsequent member. For example: "I am sure that if I get an excellent score, then I will enter a good educational institution." The sequence is clearly expressed here: I am sure (of what?), that …, then (what will happen?).
Parallel subordination of subordinate clauses is a type of subordination when minor parts belong to one main member of the sentence. They do not answer one question, but together they explain the meaning of the main statement. It is desirable to compose schemes of complex sentences of this kind so as not to make a mistake in determining the type. So, an example of parallel subordination: "When the cat jumped out of the window, Masha pretended that nothing terrible had happened." So, the main part is the middle of the sentence (and from it you can ask a question both to the first subordinate clause and to the second one): Masha pretended (when?) And (what happened then?). It is worth noting that a simple complex sentence will not contain any of the above types of subordination. As a rule, they are built only on the compositional connection between the parts.
Thus, we can conclude that in a complex subordinatesentence, dependent parts have three types of accession: homogeneous, sequential and parallel subordination of subordinate clauses. Each type defines a dependency on the main member and a relationship with the same minor parts. To correctly determine this type, it is enough just to correctly ask a question and draw diagrams of complex sentences, marking these very questions with arrows. After a visual drawing, everything will immediately become clear.
