Parallel construction

Question

I found this sentence on the internet as an example of parallel construction:

Please bring the bill after we have had some coffee or when your shift is over.

Can anyone explain to me why this sentence is considered to have a parallel construction?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes. It could be expanded to:

Please bring the bill after we have had some coffee, or please bring the bill when your shift is over.

It is not a great example of a parallel construction, as the expanded version seems so odd.

_{I suppose the reason for asking for the bill when the waiter's shift is over is for the purpose of tipping. It would be a very odd thing to say in a restaurant in the UK.}